Mars US acquires pet care company

Posted by AFN Staff Writers on 11th January 2017

The US arm of Mars has acquired pet-care company VCA for US $7.7 billion.

VCA is a chain of veterinary hospitals which operate in the USA and Canada. There is currently 600 VCA animal hospitals. The company was found in 1986 and is headquartered in Los Angeles.

VCA will join Mars Petcare which already includes various pet food brands such as Pedigree, Iams and Royal Canin.

Mars Chief Executive Officer, Grant F. Reid said Mars was thrilled to welcome VCA to its portfolio of brands and businesses around the world.

“VCA is a leader across pet health care and the opportunity we see together—for pets, pet owners, veterinarians and other pet care providers —is tremendous,” Reid said.

“We have great respect for VCA, with whom we share many common values and a strong commitment to pet care. Together, we will be able to provide even greater value, better service and higher quality care to pets and pet owners,” he stated.

Upon completion of the transaction, VCA will operate as a distinct and separate business unit within Mars Petcare, alongside its other Veterinary Services businesses, Banfield Pet Hospital, Bluepearl and Pet Partners.

Australian Mars pet food brands

In Australia Mars is responsible for the following pet related brands: