M Vetlink takeover

Henry Schein has expanded its animal health business with the finalisation of its acquisition of Ireland-based C&M Vetlink.

Founded in 1973, C&M Vetlink distributes a wide variety of veterinary and companion animal health products to animal health professionals across Ireland, generating sales of approximately 42 million euros (34.18 million pounds) in the year ending on July 30th 2012.

It is headquartered in Limerick and employs 45 team members, while 70 percent of its sales come from the large animals sector, an extremely important market in Ireland.

Henry Schein's animal health business has been the fastest-growing division of the company in recent years, both as a result of internal expansion and the positive effect of acquisitions.

Stanley Bergman, chairman and chief executive officer of Henry Schein, said: "Veterinarian customers of C&M Vetlink will now have access to Henry Schein's broad selection of products and value-added services, including the consultative tools we offer to help practitioners operate efficient practices."

This comes after the firm completed its takeover of AUV Veterinary Services – the leading distributor serving animal health practitioners in the Netherlands and Belgium – earlier this year.