Mars Petcare Acquiring Pet Hospital Operator VCA for $9.1BMars Petcare Acquiring Pet Hospital Operator VCA for $9.1B

January 9, 2017

2 Min Read
Mars Petcare Acquiring Pet Hospital Operator VCA for $9.1B
The world's largest pet food company, Mars Inc., is expanding its presence in the U.S. pet healthcare market. Image courtesy of Flickr user EmmyMik

The world’s largest pet food company, Mars, Incorporated, is acquiring pet healthcare company VCA Inc., operator of more than 800 animal hospitals and 60 diagnostic laboratories in the United States, in a $9.1 billion all-cash transaction, McLean, VA based Mars announced by press release Monday.

“We have always been impressed by VCA and the excellent services it offers to pets across diverse business segments,” said president of Mars Global Petcare, Poul Weihrauch, in a statement. “VCA’s industry-leading partnerships with veterinarians and pet care providers together with its expertise in veterinary services, diagnostics, and technology will position Mars to deliver accessible, quality care and continue to create a better world for pets.”

The Associated Press (AP) posited that the combination of VCA with Mars “will dominate the veterinary care industry in the United States, grabbing an even bigger share of the nearly $4 billion global pet care market.” The company also operates about 900 pet health clinics, including the Banfield pet hospital chain, AP said.

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Mars said the acquired firm will operate as a separate business unit of Mars Petcare, led by Bob Antin, chief executive officer, president, chairman, and founder of VCA. The unit will continue to be based out of VCA’s Los Angeles, CA headquarters.

“Joining the Mars family of brands provides significant value to our stockholders while also preserving the company’s values and a culture focused on investing in our people and facilities to promote excellence in pet care and long-term growth,” said Antin in the Mars release. “Mars has a long-standing commitment to pet health, wellness, and nutrition. We will work together every day to continue to provide the quality care and excellent service VCA is known for to our clients and their pet families.”

Subject to customary closing conditions, including VCA shareholder approval, Mars expects the transaction to close by the third quarter of 2017.

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