York veterinary firm merges with West Sussex group to create national practice

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.

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

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.