UK-based groups CVS and IVC are canvassing vets in the Republic with a view to acquiring their practices. CVS has made preliminary offers on seven practices, the Irish Farmers Journal understands. So far, it has received the agreement of one vet and is carrying out due diligence on the business.
UK-based groups CVS and IVC are canvassing vets in the Republic with a view to acquiring their practices.
CVS has made preliminary offers on seven practices, the Irish Farmers Journal understands. So far, it has received the agreement of one vet and is carrying out due diligence on the business.
Independent Veterinary Care (IVC) confirmed it too has had discussions with a number of vets here.
“We are very interested in entering the [Irish] market,” commercial director Stuart Caton said. “We have already met some interested practices. The law has been up against us until now. But the Veterinary Council of Ireland has now clarified the situation. It’s early days, given that this change only happened in recent weeks.”
The group is interested in small animal and mixed practices in the Republic, he said.
“Larger groups can share resources and ideas and therefore give a better service to clients, including farmer clients.
“We can facilitate staff rotas which give quality of life to the vet but also a full service to the client. We give a lot of practices autonomy but we also deal with issues such as recruitment and legislation.”
The group has practices in eight European countries.
Key change
“There is no prohibition on a non-registered person, non-registered persons or a body corporate owning a veterinary practice.”
Inclusion of this statement is the most notable change in the revised Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Practitioners issued by the Irish Veterinary Council on 14 December.
It clarifies what has been happening in Ireland, in practice, for 20 years. However, until last month there was some doubt over the legal position. UK veterinary chains have for some time been interested in entering the Irish market but were unwilling to do so until they got clarity.
They formally asked the Irish Veterinary Council to clarify the situation.
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