Latest M&A activity in the veterinary and pharmaceutical sector

The animal health sector has been a hotbed of investments in the first few months of 2024. GlobalPETS examines the latest developments in the companion animal veterinary and pharmaceutical industry.

Mars

Earlier in May, Mars started “exclusive discussions” with Cerba HealthCare Group, a network of six veterinary diagnostics laboratories in France and Switzerland, to acquire Cerba HealthCare’s ownership stake in Cerba Vet and ANTAGENE.

If acquired, their capabilities will enhance the reach of Mars’ veterinary diagnostics business Antech to veterinarians across Europe and drive its research and development (R&D) capabilities.

Emmanuel Ligner, CEO of Cerba HealthCare, called Mars Science & Diagnostics “the right investor” as it would support the long-term development and growth of the 2 businesses.

Pharmacy2U

The UK’s largest digital pharmacy has acquired online veterinary pharmacy The PharmPet Co for an undisclosed amount. 

The acquisition follows the 2 companies’ partnership from late 2023 to create a convenient, cost-effective, high-quality pet health prescription delivery service for pet parents. 

The acquisition aligns with Pharmacy2U’s commitment to offering comprehensive consumer healthcare solutions and prescriptions from the National Health Service (NHS) while expanding its portfolio to include pet health services. It also wants to expedite the company’s plans to provide coverage for both pet parents and their pets in the same place.

Pharmacy2u believes that The PharmPet Co’s business aligns with its “strategy, service and set of values.”

“We look forward to working together to deliver exceptional value and service to our customers while offering a digital-first approach that allows our pharmacists to deliver expertise in medicine,” says Gary Dannatt, Chief of Staff at Pharmacy2U.

Diamond Animal Health

Chicago-based private investment firm Granite Creek Capital Partners recently grew its animal health footprint by supporting Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions’ (VPS) acquisition of Diamond Animal Health through its FlexCap II fund.

Diamond Animal Health is a contract manufacturer and researcher of animal vaccines and pharmaceuticals for companion animal veterinarians. Its combined capabilities with VPS’ pharmacy, chemistry, regulatory capabilities and quality offerings will aid rapid innovation.

The acquisition represents Granite Greek’s ambitions to expand capabilities and market reach in the companion animal sector, which the firm believes is an “attractive” market.

“The combination of VPS and Diamond creates an integrated partner with the capabilities and capacity to continue bringing innovative solutions to the market,” says Mike Ray, Operating Partner at Granite Creek.

The company acquired in 2020 VPS, a licensed animal compounding pharmacy.