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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 2018-08-09
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BC to acquire VetPartners
The VetPartners group is one of the UK’s leading operators of small animal, mixed and equine veterinary practices.
Equity firm will support group's plans for growth

Private equity company BC Partners has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in VetPartners.

In a press release, the firm - which owns the UK restaurant chain, Côte - said the agreement had been reached with funds managed by the Ares Management Credit Group, August Equity and co-investors.

Whilst financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, the sale is estimated to be in the region of £700 million. It will see Ares reinvest alongside BC Partners and the management team, led by CEO Jo Malone, who will also invest in the company.

The VetPartners group is one of the UK’s leading operators of small animal, mixed and equine veterinary practices. With more than 310 veterinary clinics across the UK, the company provides services to pets, equine and production animals.

BC Partners and Ares said they will support CEO Jo Malone’s plans for growth, which include increasing the VetPartners customer base, acquiring new veterinary practices and expanding internationally.

BC Partners managing partner Jean-Baptiste Wautier commented: “We have tremendous respect for Jo and her team and what they have achieved so far. VetPartners is a unique business whose rapid growth in recent years is a clear indication of the future potential for the company.

“We look forward to partnering with Jo, her team and Ares to help VetPartners pursue an ambitious growth strategy, fuelled by organic growth, M&A and the opportunity to expand into new geographies in Europe.”

VetPartners CEO Jo Malone said: “We are thrilled that BC Partners are supporting us during the next phase of our growth. They bring experience, knowledge and renewed enthusiasm for the ongoing growth of our company.”

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Nominations for 2019 RSPCA Honours Awards now open

News Story 1
 People across the UK are being urged to nominate a standout animal champion for the 2019 RSPCA Honours Awards.

The awards recognise those who have worked tirelessly to improve animal welfare, campaigned on behalf of animals, or shown true bravery. Previous winners include comedian John Bishop, who was awarded Celebrity Animal Champion of the Year, and 11-year-old Lobby Cantwell, who raised more than £1,000 for the charity through mountain climbs and bike rides.

To submit a nomination or find out more about the awards visit the RSPCA website. Nominations will remain open until 4 pm on Friday, March 15.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New £1m project to investigate dairy cow lameness

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is leading a new £1 million research project to investigate the causes of lameness in dairy cows.

One in three dairy cows are affected by lameness every day in the UK, costing the industry an estimated £250 milion annually.

The project will take three years to complete and is due to finish by November 2021.

Professor Georgios Banos of SRUC commented: “In addition to pain and discomfort to the animal, lameness is associated with decreased milk production and inflated farm costs.

“Among cows raised in the same environment, some become lame while others do not. Understanding the reasons behind this will help us develop targeted preventive practices contributing to enhanced animal welfare and farm profitability.”