Riverside Unleashes Another Deal

Firm Delivers a Winning Game Opportunity For Outward Hound Pet Company

The Riverside Company has acquired Swedish dog game company Nina Ottosson Puzzle Games & Toys to further their goal of building Outward Hound into a world leader creating meaningful pet product experiences.

The acquisition provides Outward Hound with new global distribution channels and competitive entry into new product segments. Together, these will advance Outward Hound’s goal to deliver products that fulfill the brand promise to Raise The Woof and offer the company sustainable growth.

Founder Nina Ottosson is the winner of the 2015 Pet Age Women of Influence and was voted by Dog Fancy magazine as one of “45 People Who Changed the Dog World.”

“Nina has built a strong global reputation for having some of the most innovative games available, which complements Outward Hound’s broad portfolio of dog toy and accessory offerings,” said Riverside Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. “We’re excited about adding these products to the Outward Hound portfolio.”

Ottosson pioneered the design and development of durable interactive dog games that stimulate dogs’ minds while reinforcing relationships with their pet parents. Each design has a unique mechanism that allows dogs’ mental and physical dexterity to reveal hidden food rewards to satisfy all ages and breeds of dogs.

“This strategic move will bring Nina’s line of products to millions of new consumers,” said Riverside Vice President Steve Rice. “Nina offers some of the most fun dog games and toys in the market today and will add an exciting new dimension to the Outward Hound portfolio.”

“Nina is synonymous with innovative dog games that exercise dogs’ minds and bodies. The company is an ideal synergistic partner in strengthening our position as a leading pet company with dog toys that engage and excite both dogs and their owners,” said Outward Hound CWO (Chief Woof Officer) Kyle Hansen.

Partner Joe Lee and Operating Partner Bill White worked with Schlachet and Rice on the transaction for Riverside.

Riverside was advised by Jones Day and Deloitte.