CMA scales back inquiry into Medivet acquisitions

An investigation into the acquisition of two veterinary businesses by Medivet has been dropped by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The regulator announced in January that it was examining 17 separate UK transactions, covering at least 25 separate practices, which it was concerned could lead to a substantial reduction in competition.

But an update posted on the case’s webpage shortly before the Easter break revealed the CMA had now reduced the scope of that probe.

Investigation ongoing

The authority said: “The CMA has decided the completed acquisitions by Medivet of Monument Vets Ltd and Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital Limited do not qualify for investigation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002.”

A spokesperson confirmed that the rest of the investigation remains ongoing and the stated deadline of 18 May for initial decisions to be issued still stands.

Operations in County Antrim, Greater London, Hertfordshire, Lancashire, Leicestershire, North Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire and West Sussex remain subject to the investigation, which affects the following businesses:

• All Creatures Clinic
• Barton Companion Animal Services
• Caddy Country Practice
• Canine Healthcare (t/a Vet Value)
• E Street (t/a Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic)
• Ferring Street Vets
• Fitzalan House Veterinary Practice
• The Hackney Vet
• The assets and business of the veterinary practice under the name Hollies Veterinary Surgery
• The assets and business of the veterinary practice under the name Iffley Vets
• I T Kalogera Holdings (including its subsidiary I T Kalogera; t/a Brockwell Vets)
• The Oxford Cat Clinic
• The assets and businesses of the veterinary practices under the name The Vet on Richmond Hill and The Vet in St Margaret’s
• The Vet Station
• Withy Grove Veterinary Clinic

A spokesperson for Medivet said: “Medivet continues to fully cooperate with the CMA’s review and in the meantime, we continue to deliver exceptional care to all our clients’ pets.“

• This article was amended from an earlier version to include a comment from Medivet.