The Cypress Group Buys Meow Mix for 425 Million

NJBIZ STAFF//August 9, 2005//

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The Meow Mix Company, a Secaucus-based manufacturer of premium dry cat food, Tuesday announced its acquisition by The Cypress Group, a New York-based private equity firm, for $425 million.In a press release, The Meow Mix Company said The Cypress Group acquired it from J.W. Childs Associates with members of Meow Mix management and J.W. Childs, both retaining significant equity stakes in the company.Meow Mix will use its new relationship with The Cypress Group to increase and achieve its objectives, including continued domestic growth along with aggressive international expansion. Additionally, it plans to increase its development of fun marketing including Meow Mix mobiles, licensing Meow Mix toys and accessories and Meow TV — a television show for catsMeow Mix was purchased by J.W. Childs from Ralston Purina in early 2002. The company recently completed its transition to a standalone company including renovating a plant in Decatur, Alabama into a world-class manufacturing facility.