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CMA finds concerns about eight IVC takeovers
IVC has five working days to respond to the investigation.
The authority is concerned about lack of competition after the mergers.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has identified concerns about the takeovers of eight veterinary practices by IVC Evidensia between September 2021 and March 2022.

The initial phase one investigations, which opened in December 2022, have found competition concerns in the supply of small animal services in 23 local areas of Essex, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk, Anglesey and South Wales.

Concerns have also been identified about the supply of out-of-hours emergency care for small animals in parts of Norfolk and Suffolk, as well as the supply of equine services in areas of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire.

IVC has five working days to respond to the investigation with legally binding proposals to address the concerns.

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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.