Vet groups merge to expand operations in South West

Veterinary group, Linnaeus has acquired Garston Veterinary Group, extending its operations across Somerset and Wiltshire.

Established in 1911, Garston serves small animal patients and runs a 24/7 hospital in Frome, accredited by the RCVS.

The facility has  well-equipped consulting rooms, operating theatres, isolation units, onsite laboratories, ultrasound, and X-ray services.

With a team of 109 employees, Garston also manages small animal surgeries in Melksham, Trowbridge, Warminster, and Westbury.

Despite the acquisition, the leadership team at Garston, comprising John Gould, Nick Hill, and Andy Woodward, will all continue to be part of the business.

Lisa Poyser, director of business development at Linnaeus, said: “Garston is a welcome addition to Linnaeus, as its commitment to delivering high-quality care for pets and their owners reflects our aims and priorities. Garston has a dynamic team that is constantly looking at ways to improve patient care, offer more services and update their skills. We’re offering our support by investing in their plans for growth and staff development.”

Garston’s lead clinical director, John Gould, said: “We have exciting plans for expanding the care we can offer to patients and working with Linnaeus will help us to realise these ambitions. Joining Linnaeus also enables us to tap into a national network of clinical expertise, and I look forward to working closely with our new colleagues across the UK.”