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Buyer sought for Independent Vetcare, reports suggest
IVC's sale will see a change of ownership for its 300 practices.

Insiders say offers could reach £1.5 billion

The owner of Independent Vetcare (IVC) is rumoured to be preparing to sell it for £1.5 billion, in what would be the sector’s biggest takeover to date, Sky News has reported.

EQT partners, IVC’s controlling shareholder, has instructed bankers at Jefferies to run an auction of the business and its 300 practices. It is seeking offers in the first week of November.

According to Sky News, insiders have said that offers could value the company at up to £1.5 billion. This is compared to the £700 million paid out by BC Partners, which purchased VetPartners in August.

IVC operates in numerous other countries, including Sweden, where it merged with Evidensia Group in 2017.

Commenting on the reports, David Hillier, CEO of IVC said: “There is some current speculation that IVC is potentially seeking additional funding.

"Given the phenomenal growth the company is experiencing this is not particularly surprising and does not imply any change in ownership or strategy.

"For us this is very much business as usual. There is absolutely no change to the underlying business, to the current management team or to the long-term direction of the company.

"We will continue our strong growth, our investment in people, premises and processes in order to provide our stated aim of ‘exceptional veterinary care’”.

 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.