Henry Schein announces Veterinary Instrumentation takeover

Henry Schein has expanded its presence in the UK animal health market via the acquisition of Veterinary Instrumentation.

The company, which is the leading supplier of surgical instruments and implants to veterinary surgeons in Britain, has been purchased by Henry Schein for an undisclosed fee.

Sales for the newly-acquired company for the year ending on September 30th 2011 came to 6.7 million pounds, 60 percent of which came from the UK.

Following the takeover, founder John Lapish and managing director Steve Fletcher will remain in charge of the company as Henry Schein aims to expand its UK market presence and deliver the Veterinary Instrumentation product range to clients worldwide.

Stanley Bergman, chairman and chief executive officer of Henry Schein, said: "Reinforcing our existing animal health business in the UK, we look forward to strengthening our relationship with veterinary customers in this region."

This comes in the same week that Henry Schein bought out Oak Hill Capital Partners' remaining interest in Butler Schein Animal Health, bringing its ownership stake in the business to 71.5 percent.