Minster Vets joins Westpoint Vet Group to create national science based practice

Harrowells played a key role in a deal which saw Minster Vets, a Yorkshire-based national veterinary practice, with 16 branches around the UK, joining complementary business Westpoint Veterinary Group, in a major deal.

Minster Veterinary Practice Ltd, York, which has more than 100 staff based mainly in and around York, has merged with the Westpoint Veterinary Group, Warnham, West Sussex, in a deal advised by Philip Lewis Ogden, a partner in the corporate team at Harrowells Solicitors, York, with support from corporate team members, Matt Rowley and George Primarolo, and advice on employment aspects of the merger from employment team partner, Marie Horner.

Founded in York more than 100 years ago, the Minster Veterinary Practice, which offers veterinary care for poultry, horses, companion and farm animals, will now operate as part of the expanding portfolio of the Westpoint Veterinary Group which already has 17 practices between Dumfries and Camborne, Cornwall.

Minster Veterinary Practice chairman, Keith Warner, says: “This deal is very good news for our clients, colleagues and suppliers. By learning from our new partners, and expanding on their already active clinical governance structure, this new partnership will allow us to develop our position and capabilities in all species, providing an enhanced service for each of our customers.

“The access to greater resources and the wider expertise from the growing Westpoint Group will ensure that the UK’s animal keepers will be the real winners from the new partnership created by this deal.”

Minster Veterinary Practice looks after thousands of animals each year through eight branches in and around York and a wider network in Malton, Ripon, Howton, Leominster, Wrexham, Sutton Bonington and Garstang.

Westpoint managing director, Matt Dobbs says: “We are delighted that such a preeminent veterinary practice is joining our group, as a true progressive partner, strengthening our ruminant focussed practices, research team and laboratory services, enhanced by the recent acquisition of Biobest Laboratories.

“We will build on the strong reputation of Minster as a leading mixed veterinary practice in the UK and ensure the partnership leads to new and enhanced services, improving the health of pets and horses trusted to our care and furthering our support for all livestock sectors in the UK.

“It is also important that Minster’s strong and well-known identity is maintained. The new business will grow a science-based animal health business fit to serve the demands of our customers while developing our people to fulfil their potential.”

Philip Lewis Ogden, who advised on the negotiation of the merger and anciliary documents, says: “Minster Veterinary Practice is a major force in animal care in the largely rural area of York and North Yorkshire and the other areas where it is based. We have been pleased to advise on this important transaction which will enable both businesses to combine their strengths and prosper as a result.”

Westpoint is backed by private investment firm, August Equity, London, which invested in the group in January committing funds for its further expansion.

August Equity Partner David Lonsdale. says: “This merger significantly broadens the technical capability and geographical scope of the business. We have followed Minster Veterinary Practice’s progress closely and have been hugely impressed by its high level of ethics, expertise and attention to detail. The practice is held in the highest regard by its customers and the wider animal health industry.”