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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.