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CMA launches IVC business merger inquiry
The CMA is investigating whether the acquisitions has or may result 'in a substantial lessening of competition'.
The regulator is investigating eight completed acquisitions.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the acquisition of multiple businesses acquired by Independent Vetcare Limited (IVC).

Among the IVC acquisitions under investigation include Swayne & Partners Ltd, Bury St Edmunds, and Penrose Veterinary Group Limited, Colchester.

The Initial Enforcement Orders, published on the 17th of November, state that the CMA is considering whether 'a relevant merger situation has been created' and whether the situation has or may result 'in a substantial lessening of competition in any markets or markets in the United Kingdom'.

The orders also maintain that practices under investigation must carry out their business separately from IVC and maintain their separate sales or brand identity. The full list of acquisitions to be investigated is as follows:
  • Penrose Veterinary Group Limited
  • Kevin Castle (Pet Care) Ltd
  • Swayne & Partners Ltd
  • Treforest Veterinary Clinic Limited
  • Mercer & Hughes Limited
  • Swaffham Veterinary Centre Ltd
  • Anglesey Pet Clinic Ltd
  • Chiltern Equine Clinic
IVC has been directed to appoint a monitoring trustee to ensure compliance with the orders, available on the CMA's website.

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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.