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London/Cologne, 11.8.2025: Rödl & Partner has advised the sera Group (“sera”), a leading manufacturer of aquatics products, on the acquisition of the indoor aquatics and outdoor pond technology division of Interpet Ltd., including the aquatics brands Interpet, Blagdon, and Aquagarden.
The Rödl & Partner team provided comprehensive advice to the family-owned company sera throughout the entire transaction. In the UK, Associate Partner Philip Walton led the team, while Partner Dirk Halm was responsible for advising sera in Germany.
Maximilian Deharde, CEO of the sera Group, commented: "The acquisition is a significant step forward for sera. We chose Rödl & Partner because of their proven professional expertise, and I am grateful for their tireless support throughout the entire process. The team's commercial advice, combined with a clear understanding of international transactions and a very pragmatic approach to problem solving, was crucial to the successful completion of the transaction."
“This transaction was not only complex, but also strategically significant for both sides,” said Philip Walton. “The close integration of legal, commercial, and cultural aspects across national borders was particularly important and reflects the strengths of Rödl & Partner’s cross-border advisory teams.”
The transaction is a milestone for sera in its expansion into the British and European aquatics market. The acquisition is part of a broader realignment of Interpet's business activities (and those of its US owner, Central Garden & Pet). With this transaction, sera has strengthened its position in the pond and aquarium care sector, while Interpet's brands gain access to sera's extensive European distribution network and product development capabilities. The integration of Interpet's UK-based sales, marketing, and development teams, as well as its logistics partners, into sera ensures continuity and improved service for customers and retail partners alike.
sera is a family-run business selling its feed, care, and technology products in more than 80 countries and employs more than 200 people worldwide. In addition to its headquarters in Heinsberg, sera has further branches in the USA, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, and China.
Interpet is a British company that has been developing products for aquatics since the 1950s. It has been part of US headquartered Central Garden & Pet, an international supplier of pet and garden products, since 2004.
Legal
Dr. Dirk Halm, Partner, Cologne – Project Lead, Corporate, M&A
Daniel Rybacki, Senior Associate, Bielefeld – Corporate, M&A
Philip Walton, Associate Partner, London – Project Lead, Corporate, M&A
Jan Eberhardt, Partner, Birmingham – Corporate, M&A , Commercial law
Charlotte Bateman, Associate Partner, Birmingham – Employment law, Business Immigration
Rhea Dsouza, Senior Associate, Birmingham – Corporate, M&A
Rajni Devi, Associate, Birmingham – Employment law
John Streit, Paralegal, Birmingham – Corporate, M&A
Dr. Dirk Halm
Partner
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Philip Walton
Associate Partner
