Mars acquires two veterinary diagnostics businesses
Mars has completed its acquisition of two veterinary diagnostics businesses based in France, the McLean-headquartered candy and pet care corporation announced Tuesday. Mars purchased Cerba HealthCare’s ownership stake in Cerba Vet, a network of six veterinary diagnostics laboratories in France, and Antagene, which provides DNA testing for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife, as well as […[...]
McLean mixed-use project, Mars expansion approved
As the third wealthiest community in the U.S., McLean is known for its luxurious mansions and classic suburban feel. That’s starting to change. In June 2021, Fairfax County supervisors adopted a plan, known as the McLean Community Business Center, to redevelop the town’s 230-acre downtown, bounded by Old Dominion Drive and Chain Bridge Road, to […]
Retail | Wholesale | Food | Beverage 2023: POUL WEIHRAUCH
Since taking over the reins at the candy and pet food giant in September 2022, Weihrauch has set a goal of doubling its sales by 2033. With $45 billion in sales in 2022, Mars is the largest privately held company in Virginia and the fourth largest in the nation. It has approximately 140,000 employees in […]
Mars to acquire Colorado pet care company for $1.2B
McLean-based global candy and pet food manufacturer Mars Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Loveland, Colorado-based veterinary diagnostic and specialty product provider Heska Corp. in a deal valued at $1.2 billion, or $120 per share, the companies announced Monday. Heska will join Mars Petcare, expanding its science and diagnostics division. “This transaction […]
Mars Inc. names new CEO
McLean-based Mars Inc. will have a new CEO in September and the news comes at a time when the privately held global candy and pet food manufacturer is experiencing major growth. Grant F. Reid, who has served as CEO of Mars since 2014, will step down in September, with plans to fully retire by the […]
Mars sits out Super Bowl 2022
Mars Wrigley, the line of confectionary brands owned by McLean-based Mars Inc., will not have ads in this year’s Super Bowl LVI, the first year the candy company has missed since 2010. A spokeswoman confirmed the move, first reported by Ad Age, to Virginia Business in a statement. “Mars Wrigley will not have an ad […]
Mars Inc. acquires healthy snack company
McLean-based global food product manufacturer Mars Inc. announced Tuesday it has acquired healthy snack manufacturer Kind North America. Transaction details were not disclosed. Mars is the largest private company in Virginia. With annual sales of more than $35 billion, the candy and food manufacturer produces brands such as Snickers, M&Ms and Pedigree pet foods. Founded […]
McLean-based Mars Inc. to change Uncle Ben’s rice brand
After weeks of racial inequity protests and the removals of Confederate monuments across the United States, McLean-based global food product manufacturer Mars Inc. announced Wednesday it is “evaluating all possibilities” for changing the branding on its Uncle Ben’s rice products. Uncle Ben’s has been branded with an image of a black man since 1946, according […]