Animal magic as vet group acquires rival

WORCESTER-based Severn Veterinary Centre has acquired Warwickshire based Arden Forest Veterinary group.

The deal gives it three new practices.

Funding for the undisclosed deal has been provided by The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

Arden Forest Veterinary, owned practices in Stratford-upon-Avon, Henley-in-Arden and Alcester. All three clinics have been rebranded under the Severn Veterinary Centre name.

Established in 1999 by husband and wife team Jock and Caroline Queen, Severn Veterinary Centre specialises in providing care for small animals.

Its existing practices in Worcester include Berkeley House in Warndon Villages and Tybridge House in St Johns. The acquisition of Arden Forest Veterinary increases the total number of clinics it owns to five.

Caroline Queen said: “The acquisition has enabled us to grow our business rapidly and should facilitate further organic growth as referrals to our orthopaedic services increase. 

“We are currently in the process of enhancing staffing levels at all three practices, putting in a stable team of new veterinary nurses and physicians to ensure we offer patients consistent care from familiar practitioners every time they visit.”    

RBS supported the acquisition with funding to finance the purchase costs and to provide on-going cash flow support. The new owners have also made use of the bank’s mentor team, who have provided guidance on a variety of employment requirements and helped them to make the transition from a partnership to a limited company.

Lombard, the bank’s asset finance arm has also supported the business with funding for new digital imagery equipment.

Kam Sangha, senior healthcare relationship manager at RBS, said: “Caroline and Jock have developed an excellent business over the years and offer a very high standard of clinical care across all of their practices. 

“The changes they have made to the practices are excellent and I am sure that patients old and new will be thrilled with the improvements to the facilities and the service they receive.”