2004 Profit Track 100
Rank: 86 Pets At Home
Provides free in-store health checks for pets
With several years of experience as a venture capitalist, Anthony Preston spotted great potential for growth in the pet retail industry while working at his father's hardware and pet products business. He started Pets At Home in 1991, blowing aside the dingy cluttered stores that had dominated the sector with his well-lit superstores that were often sited in out-of-town retail parks and boasted attractions such as "bunny villages" and veterinary practices. The business grew organically until 1999 when it acquired its larger rival, Petsmart UK, with £25m of funds from 3i. Profits at the company's 150 stores have since grown at 42% a year, from an annualised £3.6m in 2000 to £10.4m in 2003.
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With several years of experience as a venture capitalist, Anthony Preston spotted great potential for growth in the pet retail industry while working at his father's hardware and pet products business. He started Pets At Home in 1991, blowing aside the dingy cluttered stores that had dominated the sector with his well-lit superstores that were often sited in out-of-town retail parks and boasted attractions such as "bunny villages" and veterinary practices. The business grew organically until 1999 when it acquired its larger rival, Petsmart UK, with £25m of funds from 3i. Profits at the company's 150 stores have since grown at 42% a year, from an annualised £3.6m in 2000 to £10.4m in 2003.
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Company facts
Pets At Home
Pet products retailer
Company website
| Profit growth | 41.79% pa |
| 2003 profit | £10.4m |
| 2000 profit | *£3.6m |
| 2003 staff | 1,862 |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Location of HQ | Cheshire |
| If applicable: * = annualised figures ‡ = draft accounts |
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