Montagu Private Equity announces the sale of VetXX
Montagu, a leading European mid-market private equity investor, is
pleased to announce the sale of VetXX, a leading developer,
producer and marketer of companion animal veterinary products, to
Dechra Pharmaceuticals.
Dechra Pharmaceuticals is an international veterinary
pharmaceutical business with a focus on companion animal products.
The business is headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent in the UK and
employs more than 750 people. In its most recent financial year
Dechra enjoyed sales of £253.8m.
VetXX is a sales and marketing group selling companion animal
pharmaceutical and diet products solely to the veterinary sector.
The Company owns a number of important niche pharmaceutical
licences. VetXX employs more than 160 people and is headquartered
in Denmark with sales subsidiaries in Sweden, Norway, Finland, UK,
France, the Netherlands and Spain. Product distribution
arrangements are also held in various countries including Canada,
Switzerland, Estonia, Greece and Japan.
The Chairman of VetXX, Peter Fearn, commented “the acquisition of
VetXX by Dechra is an important strategic milestone and will give
VetXX access to new products and systems and a significant growth
opportunity. The strategic fit is excellent and the future is
exciting for all involved.”
Tom Chaloner and Peter Dahlberg, Directors at Montagu Private
Equity, said in a joint statement “The VetXX Group and brand was
formed in 2005 as a stand alone business and has firmly established
itself in its markets. We believe Dechra is the right long term
home for VetXX and we wish everyone at VetXX the best for the
future”.
“VetXX is well regarded within the companion animal veterinary
products market and offers a high quality service to its customer
base. The acquisition will create a stronger European footprint and
materially increase Dechra's range of licensed veterinary
pharmaceutical products. In addition, VetXX will give Dechra access
to an established distribution network to market the enlarged
product range and future developed products to veterinary practices
and wholesalers. I am very pleased this deal has been concluded”
said Ian Page, CEO of Dechra.
The transaction is expected to complete in January 2008 subject to
approval by Dechra’s shareholders.
Montagu was advised by PwC Corporate Finance (Denmark) and Accura
Advokataktieselskab.
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