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Henry Schein Animal Health to merge with Vets First Choice
Henry Schein and Vets First Choice expect the new business to grow such that in year three, operating income synergies will be in excess of $100 million.
Spin off to bring new global animal health company 

Henry Schein is set to spin off its animal health business and merge with Vets First Choice, launching a new public company.

The new company, called Vets First Corp., will be headquartered in Portland, Maine. It is promising to ‘provide veterinarians with a powerful new platform to grow their practices, improve client engagement, and drive better health outcomes for pets’.

Upon completion of the transaction, Henry Schein shareholders will own approximately 63 per cent of the new company, while Vets First Choice shareholders will own 37 per cent. Henry Schein is expected to receive $1-1.25 billion in cash on a tax-free basis.

Ben Shaw, founder and CEO of Vets First Choice, who will become CEO of the new company, said: "This merger creates an enhanced value chain that connects the veterinarian, the manufacturer, and the pet owner through insights and analytics that will support better clinical and financial outcomes.

“This new global animal health care company is focused on improving clinical compliance by facilitating the delivery of care how, when, and where the pet owner wants it."

Henry Schein and Vets First Choice expect the new business to grow such that in year three, operating income synergies will be in excess of $100 million.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2018. 

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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.