Vet giant swoops for practices in expansion move

A veterinary group with six practices across Leicestershire and Rutland has been acquired by a vet giant Linnaeus.

The deal sees Rutland Veterinary Centres and Kings Veterinary Centres (RVC) join Linnaeus, a leading veterinary group with more than 180 practices across the UK.

With over 100 staff and more than 20,000 pets cared for annually, the acquisition marks an expansion for Linnaeus in the East Midlands.

Founded in 2014, Linnaeus forms part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of veterinary practices and labs.

Through Mars’ network of 2,500 veterinary clinics and hospitals in over 20 countries, it supports more than 70,000 veterinary health associates and provides pet care in over 25 million pet care visits every year.

A spokesperson from RVC said: “Linnaeus has a network of highly experienced vets and nurses across the UK and Ireland who we can collaborate with and learn from. Joining Linnaeus will help us to continue providing the quality of care you expect, through investment into technology, equipment and our people.

“Our team will have access to high-quality teaching and mentoring from a community of highly experienced colleagues. We will also be supported with the relocation of our Melton Mowbray practice to a new purpose-built facility.

“We have always been proud to offer the best possible care for local pets and their owners, and this will continue. The support of Linnaeus enables us to improve and develop as a team and as part of the local community.”

Dains Corporate Finance advised the sellers at RVC.

The transaction was led by the Dains Corporate Finance team based in its Rugby office, with lead advisory support from Mark Tuckwell and Chris Matthews, alongside Jon Kicks, who provided tax advice from the Leicester office.

Tuckwell said: “The sellers of RVC have created a highly successful and acclaimed business that provides a key service to pet owners across Leicestershire and Rutland. This transaction ensures those services can continue to flourish under Linnaeus’ ownership. We wish all of the sellers the best for the future and Linnaeus well as they take RVC forward.”

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