PITTSBURGH — Heinz Pet Products and a large veterinary services company said they have formed an alliance to develop, manufacture and market new products and services.
Veterinary Centers of America Inc. of Santa Monica will act as a consultant in the joint venture.
Heinz said it has completed the purchase of $3 million of convertible preferred stock of Veterinary Centers.
The purchase represents about 10% of the company's shares outstanding. The stock does not pay a dividend and does not have voting rights.
Heinz Pet Products is a division of Star-Kist Foods Inc., a subsidiary of H.J. Heinz Co. Heinz is a manufacturer of canned dog and cat food and pet snacks.
