Golden Pet Brands Hires Banks for Potential $1 Billion+ IPO, Sources Say

Golden Pet Brands, the parent company of celebrity-backed pet food lines including Dr. Marty Pets and Badlands Ranch, has hired investment banks for a potential initial public offering in New York. The listing could value the company at over $1 billion and may launch as soon as this year, according to people familiar with the matter.

IPO Preparations

The company is reportedly working with Morgan Stanley and Barclays to lead the offering, the sources said, speaking on the condition of anonymity as the discussions are private. A successful IPO would mark a significant milestone for the pet food platform, which has grown rapidly through direct-to-consumer marketing.

Golden Pet Brands did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Morgan Stanley and Barclays declined to comment on the matter.

Company Profile and Celebrity Ties

Based in El Segundo, California, Golden Pet Brands was launched in 2017 by brand incubator Golden Hippo and was later spun out as an independent company. It operates under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) model and runs two manufacturing facilities in the United States.

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The company's portfolio includes three major brands focused on food, treats, and supplements for dogs and cats:

• Dr. Marty Pets: Backed by veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein, known for treating pets of celebrities like Oprah Winfrey.
• Badlands Ranch: Founded by actress Katherine Heigl.
• Ultimate Pet Nutrition: Features actor Rob Lowe as a spokesperson.

Market Context and New Leadership

The move comes amid a renewed, albeit selective, interest in consumer and retail IPOs, following recent listings by companies like Jersey Mike’s and Reformation. Other pet-focused companies, such as Canadian brand Open Farm, are also reportedly in the IPO pipeline.

To prepare for its next phase of growth, Golden Pet Brands strengthened its executive team in April. The company appointed Apu Mody, a consumer goods veteran with experience at Mars, Procter & Gamble, and Del Monte Foods, as CEO. It also named John Meloun, the former CFO of Xponential Fitness, as its Chief Financial Officer.