Competition Markets Authority
Phase 1
The acquisitions being investigated
The CMA has decided to investigate the following completed acquisitions by IVC:
- Penrose Veterinary Group Limited
- Kevin Castle (Pet Care) Ltd
- Swayne & Partners Ltd
- Treforest Veterinary Clinic Limited
- Mercer & Hughes Limited
- Swaffham Veterinary Centre Ltd
- Anglesey Pet Clinic Ltd
- Chiltern Equine Clinic
Statutory timetable
| Phase 1 | Action |
|---|---|
| 30 June 2023 | Undertakings in lieu of reference accepted |
| 31 May 2023 to 14 June 2023 | Consultation on proposed undertakings in lieu of reference in relation to the Treforest acquisition |
| 26 May 2023 to 12 June 2023 | Consultation on proposed undertakings in lieu of reference |
| 3 March 2023 | CMA to consider undertakings offered |
| 17 February 2023 | Decision announced |
| 20 December 2022 | Launch of merger inquiries |
| 7 December 2022 to 21 December 2022 | Invitation to comment |
| 18 November 2022 | Directions to appoint a monitoring trustee |
| 17 November 2022 | Re-issue of initial enforcement orders |
| 17 November 2022 | Revocation of initial enforcement orders |
| 31 October 2022 | Initial enforcement orders |
Undertakings in lieu of reference accepted
30 June 2023: The CMA has accepted undertakings in lieu of reference to Phase 2 investigation offered by Independent Vetcare Limited (IVC) in relation to the completed acquisitions by IVC of (i) Penrose Veterinary Group Limited, (ii) Kevin Castle (Pet Care) Ltd, (iii) Swayne & Partners Ltd, (iv) Treforest Veterinary Clinic Limited, (v) Mercer & Hughes Limited, (vi) Swaffham Veterinary Centre Ltd, (vii) Anglesey Pet Clinic Ltd, and (viii) Chiltern Equine Clinic.
- (17.8.23)
- (30.6.23)
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Undertakings in lieu of reference consultation: now closed
31 May 2023: The CMA is now consulting on proposed undertakings in lieu of a reference to a Phase 2 investigation offered by Independent Vetcare Limited (IVC) in relation to the completed acquisition by IVC of Treforest Veterinary Clinic Limited.
- (31.5.23)
- (31.5.23)
26 May 2023: The CMA is consulting on proposed undertakings in lieu of a reference to a Phase 2 investigation offered by Independent Vetcare Limited (IVC) in relation to the completed acquisitions by IVC of (i) Penrose Veterinary Group Limited, (ii) Kevin Castle (Pet Care) Ltd, (iii) Swayne & Partners Ltd, (iv) Mercer & Hughes Limited, (v) Swaffham Veterinary Centre Ltd, (vi) Anglesey Pet Clinic Ltd, and (vii) Chiltern Equine Clinic. The undertakings proposed in relation to Treforest Veterinary Clinic Limited are not being consulted on at this stage.
- (26.5.23)
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Extension of consideration of undertakings in lieu
28 April 2023: The CMA has extended the consideration of undertakings in lieu of reference until Friday 30 June 2023.
- (28.4.23)
CMA to consider undertakings offered
3 March 2023: IVC off