Central Garden & Pet appoints new independent director

Central Garden & Pet Company, the Walnut Creek, Calif.-based supplier of lawn and garden and pet supplies, has appointed Mike Edwards as a new independent director on the company’s board, effective immediately.

Central Garden & Pet Company, the Walnut Creek, Calif.-based supplier of lawn and garden and pet supplies, has appointed Mike Edwards as a new independent director on the company’s board, effective immediately.

Edwards most recently served as the CEO and president of eBags, which was purchased by Samsonite in August of this year. Previously, he worked as EVP of global merchandising for Staples, where he was responsible for merchandising strategy and new business development, managing the global private label and innovation teams across 26 countries. Prior to that, Mr. Edwards served as president and CEO of Borders.

“We are pleased to welcome Mike to the board at Central," said George Roeth, president and CEO of Central. "Mike’s strong background in merchandising, manufacturing and retailing, both in the bricks-and-mortar and e-commerce areas, is an important asset to our company, as it seeks to grow revenues and profits in the years ahead."

The company also announced that it has commenced an offering, subject to market and other conditions, of $300 million senior notes due 2028. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey Inc., and BMO Capital Markets Corp. will serve as joint book-running managers for the offering. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Credit Suisse Securities LLC are serving as co-managers.

Last month, Central reported fourth quarter 2017 net sales rose 18.6% to $490.5 million and reported a net income of $4.3 million for the period compared to a net loss of $5.6 million in the fourth quarter a year ago.