Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA), a leading manufacturer and marketer of products for the pet, lawn, and garden markets, has announced the acquisition of the U.S. assets of Champion USA, a specialized cattle fly-control company best known for its proprietary JustiFLY® product line. The transaction represents a strategic expansion for Central into one of the fastest-growing segments within animal health and livestock management, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering science-backed, sustainable solutions for agricultural producers.
Champion USA has spent more than 15 years serving the livestock industry, earning a strong reputation among cattle producers for its cost-effective, EPA-approved feed-through fly-control products. Designed to disrupt the lifecycle of multiple fly species that negatively impact livestock health and productivity, the JustiFLY® portfolio addresses a persistent challenge facing cattle operations across the United States. Flies are more than a nuisance; they contribute to stress, reduced weight gain, lower feed efficiency, and the spread of disease. By targeting fly larvae before they mature, Champion’s solutions help ranchers protect animal welfare while improving overall herd performance.
A distinguishing feature of Champion USA’s products is their focus on environmental stewardship. Unlike some traditional fly-control methods, JustiFLY® feed-through solutions are engineered to avoid harming beneficial insects such as dung beetles, which play a critical role in pasture ecosystems. Dung beetles help break down manure, recycle nutrients into the soil, reduce parasite loads, and improve pasture quality. By preserving these beneficial species, Champion’s products support healthier soil, more sustainable grazing systems, and long-term pasture productivity—an increasingly important consideration as ranchers seek environmentally responsible solutions.
Over the years, Champion USA has built an extensive customer base, supporting more than 300,000 cattle producers and treating over 50 million head of cattle both in the United States and internationally. This scale underscores the trust the brand has earned within the livestock community and highlights the market opportunity Central Garden & Pet is now positioned to expand. With Central’s established distribution infrastructure, marketing capabilities, and research and development resources, the JustiFLY® brand is expected to reach an even broader audience of producers nationwide.
Niko Lahanas, Chief Executive Officer of Central Garden & Pet, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition and the alignment between the two organizations. “We are excited to incorporate the JustiFLY® brand of products into Central’s portfolio,” Lahanas said. “These outstanding products have earned trusted recognition in the livestock community. This acquisition strengthens our position in one of the fastest growing segments in animal health and enhances our ability to deliver effective, high-quality solutions for cattle producers nationwide.”
Central’s Professional business unit, which will house the Champion USA operations, focuses on serving professional growers, ranchers, and agricultural customers with specialized products and services. By integrating Champion USA’s employees and product lines into this division, Central aims to preserve the technical expertise, customer relationships, and service standards that have defined Champion’s success while providing additional scale and operational support. Product quality, customer service, and nationwide distribution will remain top priorities as the transition moves forward.
From Champion USA’s perspective, the transaction marks a significant milestone in the company’s evolution. André Rocha, President of Champion USA, reflected on the company’s journey and the opportunities created by the acquisition. “We built Champion USA with a mission to give livestock producers cost-effective, residue-free fly-control solutions that safeguard herd health and productivity,” Rocha said. “Joining forces with Central and transitioning the JustiFLY® portfolio to their stewardship enables that mission to reach even more ranchers, supported by Central’s resources, innovation engine and national distribution footprint.”
The acquisition comes at a time when cattle producers are facing increasing pressure to improve efficiency while managing costs and meeting rising expectations around sustainability and animal welfare. Fly control remains a critical component of herd management, particularly as climate variability and changing weather patterns contribute to longer fly seasons in many regions. Solutions that are both effective and environmentally responsible are gaining traction, positioning feed-through fly-control products as a key growth area within the broader animal health market.
Central Garden & Pet’s expansion into this segment reflects a broader industry trend toward integrated livestock health solutions that address both productivity and sustainability. By adding Champion USA’s technology and expertise to its portfolio, Central is better positioned to offer comprehensive solutions that align with modern ranching practices. The company’s scale and financial strength also create opportunities for continued innovation, potential product line extensions, and expanded educational outreach to producers.
The transaction was supported by a team of advisors on both sides. Central Garden & Pet was represented by Orrick as its legal advisor. Champion USA engaged IGC Partners as financial advisor, Middleton Group S.A. as regulatory advisor, and Perlman, Bajandas, Yevoli & Albright, P.L. as legal advisor. The involvement of specialized regulatory and financial advisors highlights the complexity of transactions within the animal health and agricultural input sectors, where compliance and market dynamics play a critical role.
Under the terms of the agreement, Champion USA’s employees will join Central’s Professional business unit, ensuring continuity for customers and partners. This approach reflects Central’s emphasis on retaining talent and institutional knowledge when integrating acquired businesses. By keeping experienced personnel in place, Central aims to maintain strong relationships with distributors and producers while accelerating growth under its ownership.
The acquisition officially closed on December 12, 2025. Central Garden & Pet indicated that additional information regarding the transaction, including its expected financial impact and integration progress, will be shared during the company’s first-quarter earnings call in February. Investors and industry observers will be watching closely for insights into how the acquisition contributes to Central’s long-term growth strategy and performance in the professional animal health market.
Overall, the acquisition of Champion USA’s U.S. assets represents a strategic step forward for Central Garden & Pet as it continues to diversify and strengthen its portfolio across pet, garden, and agricultural markets. By bringing the trusted JustiFLY® brand under its umbrella, Central not only expands its presence in livestock health but also reinforces its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused solutions. For cattle producers, the deal promises greater access to proven fly-control technologies backed by the resources and reach of a market-leading organization, setting the stage for continued growth and collaboration in the years ahead.
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