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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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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.