York veterinary centre expands overseas with three European site acquisitions

UK veterinary group VetPartners is aiming to expand across Europe by acquiring three Italian practices.

Three small animal practices in Ferrara, Florence and Parma in the north of Italy will, this week, join VetPartners.

The acquisitions mark VetPartners’ first venture into Europe. The three new practices are Ospedale Degli Animali in Ferrara, Vet Hospital H24 Firenze in Florence, and Ospedale Veterinario Dott Peressotti in Parma.

VetPartners has appointed David Giraldi, joint owner of Ospedale Degli Animali, as its Italian-based managing director.

VetPartners’ CEO, Jo Malone, said: “We are creating a platform of practices for future growth. While they will be part of the extended VetPartners’ family and there will be shared initiatives, this is an Italian company, led by an Italian vet and colleagues.

“They will have autonomy to create their own team. There are cultural and regulatory differences, however, we will help in any way we can.

“We have been looking at expansion in Italy for a while, but it has taken time to find people who match our ethos with a love of the profession and desire to safeguard it for the future.

We believe we have found that in our new colleagues in Italy, so we are starting a new business there. It was also about finding the right person to oversee this. David is extremely knowledgeable and someone who has the profession at heart - [and] drive.“

VetPartners has been looking to expand across Europe, with interest in acquiring practices in France, Germany, Netherlands and Italy. To support its growth, in 2018 the group secured the support of international investment company BC Partners.

VetPartners, which is headquartered in York, was established by Jo four years ago with three practices: Minster Veterinary Practice in York; Raoul Dowding Vets in Gainsborough; and Westway Veterinary Group in Newcastle.