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Mars, Incorporated to acquire VCA Inc.
hand shake
The transaction is expected to complete later in 2017.
Transaction price set at around $9.1 billion

Mars, Incorporated has entered an agreement to acquire VCA Inc., which owns nearly 800 animal hospitals in the US and Canada.

Mars is set to acquire all outstanding shares of VCA for $93 per share - a total value of around $9.1 billion, which includes $1.4 billion in outstanding debt.

When the acquisition is complete VCA will operate as a distinct business unit within Mars Petcare, alongside other veterinary businesses; Banfield Pet Hospital, Bluepearl and Pet Partners. VCA will continue to be led by Bob Antin, its chief executive officer, president, chairman and founder.

Since it was founded in 1986, VCA has grown to nearly 800 veterinary hospitals with 60 diagnostic laboratories. The company operates across four divisions: veterinary services, laboratory diagnostics, imaging equipment and medical technology and pet care services.

Mars CEO Grant F Reid commented: “We are thrilled to welcome VCA to the Mars family and to our portfolio of brands and businesses around the world.

“VCA is a leader across pet health care and the opportunity we see together - for pets, pet owners, veterinarians and other pet care providers - is tremendous.

“We have great respect for VCA, with whom we share many common values and a strong commitment to pet care. Together, we will be able to provide even greater value, better service and higher quality care to pets and pet owners.”

The transaction is subject to VCA shareholder approval, customary regulatory approval, and other conditions. It is expected to complete later in 2017.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.