Browne Jacobson advises shareholders on sale of Davies Veterinary Specialists to The Linnaeus Group

Davies Veterinary Specialists has been sold to The Linnaeus Group, part of the Mars Petcare Veterinary Health Group, for an undisclosed sum.

Bishopsgate Corporate Finance, led by James McBain Allan, advised the shareholders whilst Richard Cox led the Browne Jacobson team providing legal advice to its long standing client.

Hertfordshire based Davies Veterinary Specialists was established in 1998 by Jerry and Olivia Davies and specialises in cardiology, dermatology, neurology, internal medicine, oncology and ophthalmology.

The Linnaeus Group was formed in 2014 following the acquisition of Solihull-based Willows Veterinary Centre and is a leading provider of veterinary services through its national network of small animal specialist hospitals and bespoke practices.

Davies Veterinary Specialists clinical director Nat Whitley said: “We are delighted to become part of The Linnaeus Group. We pride ourselves on delivering excellent service, so when the opportunity arose to become part of such a forward-thinking, impressive group, it was a great match.

“We have worked with the team at Browne Jacobson for many years and they were the number one choice when it came to supporting us on this strategic transaction.”

Browne Jacobson corporate finance partner Richard Cox, added:

“This deal reflects the significant transformation in the UK veterinary market in recent years which has been driven by growing consolidation.

“We have been advising Davies Veterinary Specialists since 2010 and seen it grow and flourish into one of the largest and most diverse veterinary referral hospitals in Europe. The partnership with The Linnaeus Group heralds another exciting chapter in its history.”

James McBain Allan, Director of Bishopsgate Corporate Finance and lead adviser commented;

“Davies is a typical example of Bishopsgate’s long term relationships with its clients, which has resulted in a fantastic result for the Davies shareholders. We have advised on the two previous Davies management buy-outs which ensured we became embedded in the business and were able to drive value for all 16 shareholders. This evidences the continued appetite for UK assets from overseas acquirers and I look forward to witnessing the continued success of Davies as part of the Linnaeus Group.”