24 Nov 2022
The inquiry relates to the acquisition of eight practices by the firm, which says it is “working closely” with the authority.
Allister Webb
Job TitleThe Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced it has launched an investigation into the acquisition of several practices by IVC Evidensia.
The inquiry relates to deals involving an equine clinic in Berkshire, plus five other practices in eastern England and two in Wales.
IVC said it was “engaging constructively” with the probe, which is examining whether the deals have or are expected to substantially reduce competition in the areas.
The CMA has issued initial enforcement orders in relation to the following practices:
The orders say the authority is investigating whether “a relevant merger situation has been created” in relation to each practice that has led to, or is expected to lead to, a “substantial lessening of competition”.
The orders also require each of the acquired practices to conduct their business separately from IVC, with their own distinct brand identities and no significant changes to the businesses’ organisational structure.
IVC has been further instructed to appoint a monitoring trustee to ensure compliance with the orders, which were issued on 17 November and have now been published on the CMA’s website.
An IVC spokesperson said: “IVC Evidensia is working closely with the CMA and engaging constructively with this review.”
No timescales have been set out for how long the investigation may last. However, in a separate case, the CMA allowed VetPartners’ takeover of the Goddard Veterinary Group to proceed in September – 10 months after issuing an initial enforcement order.
