A PET supplies company has announced an new expansion across the Pennines with an agreement to acquire another, Yorkshire-based, company.

Under the terms of the agreement, Blackburn-based Pets Choice will take over all sales orders, processing and administration for Ripponden-based The Animate Company from November 1.

This also means that all deliveries of the Yorkshire firm’s products will now be delivered and invoiced by Pets Choice.

Pets Choice CEO Tony Raeburn said: "This is a very exciting acquisition for us that increases our offering to the trade.

“We are excited to be expanding into pet accessories and are looking forward to building on the solid base that Paul and Jackie have created and working to develop the brands further."

Pets Choice have been manufacturing pet food and other supplies for over 135 years and owns ten national brands across the pet supplies industry.

The company supplies grocery outlets, chain stores and specialist pet shops across the UK and can call upon industry knowledge spanning a 135 history, with the company’s first brand, Davies Dog Food, having begun production in 1881.

Pets Choice has existed in its current guise since 1988 when several well known brands came together to amalgamate.

Meanwhile, The Animate Company is a family run business that has been trading for 25 years across West Yorkshire which specialises in pet bedding including duvets, blankets, bean bags along with other essential items such as collars and harnesses.

Managing director Paul Sivyour said: "We have built our family business successfully since 1996, acquiring Outhwaite Pets in 2012 and now is the time for Jackie and myself to retire and leave our business in the secure hands of Pets Choice.

"Our company brands have huge potential, and I am sure that Pets Choice will continue to drive sales, develop the range and take Animate to the next level."