Veterinary group acquisition deal probed by competitions agency
The Competition Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation following the acquisition of veterinary and livestock services company Vorenta Group by official veterinarian specialists Eville & Jones.
The CMA issued an Initial Enforcement Order earlier this month stating that it is questioning the move on the grounds that Eville & Jones (E&J) and Vorenta ‘have ceased to be distinct’.
It goes on to say that it is considering whether a ‘merger situation has been created’ that would ultimately ‘result in a substantial lessening of competition in any market or markets in the United Kingdom (UK).’
The acquisition was completed in September and included Vorenta’s Meat and Livestock Commercial Services (MLCSL) and HallMark Veterinary and Compliance Services. It was believed the combined group would have annual revenues in excess of £50 million.
At the time E&J, which specialises in the provision of official veterinarians and meat hygiene inspectors relating to Export Health Certifications said the companies were ‘natural partners’ with Vorenta which offers carcass classification services, supplies vets to government departments, as well as delivering various export health certification services.
Vorenta had been established as the holding group for HallMark and MLCSL – the latter being bought from AHDB in 2018.
By Jane Thynne / Farmers Guardian
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