£60m deal secured for County Durham dog equipment brand

Premium dog equipment distributor, Accapi Group, has had a record sales year with renewed brand contracts worth around £60m for the next five years.

The company represents American brands Ruffwear, and Kurgo, as well as Planet Dog in Europe. Huge demand and key new product launches saw sales almost double during 2017.

The renewed contracts, which took effect in January 2018, will drive ambitious expansion plans for the group which operates across 24 countries in Europe with more than 1,700 customers in the pet, outdoor and travel sectors.

Accapi invested heavily in late 2017 into an expanded team with key appointments across sales, customer services and finance to support the organisation’s growth as well as moving into a new larger premises in its base in Stanley, County Durham.

Rob Hughes - who joined as sales director in 2017 - took on the role of managing director last month.

He said: “We are in the middle of a rapid period of growth for the company which is fuelled by strong market conditions. New product launches this year are expected to create refreshed energy for the brands.

“Our customers value the fact that we offer readily available products, same-day dispatch and full marketing sell-through support packages as well as outstanding customer service.

“Our investment in new people and infrastructure reflects our commitment to driving the business forward. I am excited for the future at Accapi.”

Andrew Geere, one of the original founders, will concentrate on new customer acquisition and development of wholesale partners.

George Heydon, chairman of Accapi, added: “The new contracts are a reflection of our hard work, investment and commitment to the brands over the years.

“We’ve achieved fantastic results to-date and are in the best possible position to develop that success further. I am delighted that Rob has joined the team and look forward to the business thriving under his leadership.”

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