In October, prominent international investment company, EQT, announced that it has agreed to acquire VetPartners, the largest provider of veterinary services in Australia and New Zealand, with the transaction expected to close by the end of 2023. With global experience in the animal health sector, the standalone deal will see EQT invest significantly in VetPartners, which was founded in 2016 and is now the largest provider of veterinary services in Australia and New Zealand, with a growing presence in Singapore. “We have been highly impressed by the VetPartners organisation, and the leading position it has built in the region through its partnership with over 1,300 passionate vets and over 3,000 nurses and clinical support staff serving their local communities. As one of the leading global animal health investors, EQT is uniquely positioned to support VetPartners’ continued growth and sustained delivery of high-quality healthcare,” David Forde, Investment Advisor and Co-Head of EQT Private Equity ANZ said. With the announcement of the deal, EQT outlined plans to ensure VetPartners’ clinical teams have access to the latest medical equipment, digital tools and innovation capabilities, to aid the teams in continuing to provide basic preventative healthcare advice and services, through to higher acuity complex surgery for the 3.2 million visits its clinics manage yearly. In the face of recent studies into the strain on the veterinary sector with staff shortages and mental health issues within the industry, EQT also intends to provide significant investment to further VetPartners’ mission to ensure a sustainable and positive work environment for its frontline teams, via a concerted focus on recruitment initiatives, enhanced training, continued professional development and mental health programs. “We are delighted to welcome EQT as a partner given their strong global track record in animal health and healthcare more broadly. Together, we will continue to be an advocate for the advancement of the veterinary profession …with a common mission to improve the comfort and well-being of animals,” Mark Jeffery, CEO of VetPartners, said.
JULIA GARDINER