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European Commission approves Elanco's acquisition of Bayer Animal Health
"We look forward to turning our full attention to delivering innovation"  - Jeff Simmons, Elanco.

Approval "an important milestone" toward completion.

The proposed acquisition of Bayer's animal health division by Elanco has been approved by the European Commission (EC).

In a press release, Elanco said that it continues to progress toward a mid-year closing, anticipated August 3, 2020. The deal, valued at $7.6 billion, would see Elanco become the second largest company in the animal health sector.

“Approval from the European Commission is an important milestone toward the completion of our acquisition of Bayer Animal Health," commented Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco.

“As the transaction edges closer to fruition, we look forward to turning our full attention to delivering innovation and an expanded portfolio of solutions for farmers, veterinarians and pet owners across the globe."

Elanco previously announced divestiture agreements, in the range of $120 million to $140 million, to help advance the needed regulatory reviews. The EC’s approval is conditional on several of these proposed divestitures, including:

  • divestiture of the worldwide rights for Osurnia® to Dechra Pharmaceuticals
  • divestiture of the worldwide rights for Vecoxan® to Merck Animal Health
  • divestiture of European Economic Area and UK rights to the Drontal® and Profender® product families, and related pipeline assets, from Bayer Animal Health to Vetoquinol.
     
Mr Simmons continued: “The recent months have only underscored the critical work our farmers do in delivering meat, milk, fish and eggs, and the importance of providing pet owners and veterinarians with a variety of solutions in multiple channels from telemedicine and e-commerce to direct home delivery. Combining Bayer Animal Health’s leadership in these areas better positions Elanco to deliver on these needs.”

 

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.