Legal Challenges Emerge for PetIQ Following Its Transition to Private Ownership

Despite completing its transition to private ownership in October 2024, PetIQ finds itself navigating significant legal challenges. The animal health company is now engaged in two separate federal lawsuits in the United States, raising questions about its strategic direction under the management of its private equity owner.

The legal proceedings were initiated in both defensive and offensive capacities. On May 14, 2025, PetIQ took an assertive stance by filing a lawsuit against Twine, LLC. This case (Case Number: 3:2025cv00539) is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and suggests the company is actively moving to protect its commercial interests, which may involve contract disputes or intellectual property rights.

Demonstrating its commitment to the case, PetIQ’s legal team, which includes Ury Fischer, Noah Hamilton Rashkind, and Lauren Hirsch, simultaneously filed multiple motions for pro hac vice admission to bring on additional specialized attorneys for the litigation.

In a more recent development, the company is also defending itself against a suit brought by industry giant Elanco. That company filed a complaint on August 22, 2025, naming PetIQ, LLC as the defendant. The case (Case Number: 6:25-cv-01626) is also proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and could potentially involve intellectual property disputes, competitive market practices, or other related issues.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying PetIQ?

These legal battles present a new set of challenges for PetIQ, which was acquired by Bansk Group in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.5 billion. The deal, finalized in October 2024, removed the company from public markets and, with it, the regular financial disclosures and transparency that come with being a publicly-traded entity.

Consequently, the operational and financial ramifications of these lawsuits will be borne away from public scrutiny. While legal disputes can increase operational costs, affect market positioning, and potentially jeopardize strategic partnerships, the immediate financial impact remains hidden without the daily valuation provided by a public stock price.

The broader pet health industry continues to be a highly competitive and rapidly expanding market, fueled by growing pet ownership and the increasing humanization of pets. In such a dynamic environment, legal disputes are not uncommon. PetIQ now maneuvers through these challenges free from the pressure of quarterly earnings reports, but also without the oversight of public shareholders.