Investment Firm to Buy Patterson for $4.1 Billion
Patterson Companies Inc., the parent company of supplier Patterson Veterinary, has agreed to be acquired by the investment firm Patient Square Capital in a deal valued at $4.1 billion. “Upon completion of the transaction, Patterson will become a privately held company, and its common stock will no longer be traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market,” the Minnesota-based parent company reported. Patterson Veterinary is headquartered in Loveland, Colorado.
AVMA Updates Climate Change Policy
The American Veterinary Medical Association has approved a new climate change policy. The updated policy reads, in part, “The AVMA recognizes the significant health impacts arising from climate change, including the anthropogenic drivers of the problem. The AVMA has endorsed the World Veterinary Association’s position that climate change is a global emergency, recognizing that veterinarians have a professional responsibility to protect environmental health.” Additional details are at bit.ly/4gesvoL.
Covetrus Unveils Arizona Compounding Pharmacy
Covetrus has opened an expanded 50,000-square-foot compounding pharmacy in Phoenix. “Through this expansion, Covetrus has doubled its pharmacy compounding space and now offers even more products and customization, using modern, automated equipment and enhanced facilities that meet the industry’s regulatory compliance standards,” the company reported.
SCC Horse Drug Earns MUMS Status
Medicus Pharma’s investigational new animal drug has received MUMS designation (minor use in major species) to treat external squamous cell carcinoma in horses. The dissolvable transdermal patch has cellulose-based microneedle arrays that are tip-loaded with doxorubicin. Medicus hopes to have a commercially viable product as early as 2026.
Ontario SPCA Celebrates Spay-Neuter Achievement
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has reported performing over 8,000 spay-neuter surgeries in 2024. Since launching high-volume spay-neuter services in 2009, the Ontario SPCA has performed more than 150,000 surgeries at its clinics in Barrie and Stouffville.
Purina Awards $4.5 Million in Research Grants
Pet food manufacturer Purina has donated a combined $4.5 million to three veterinary schools to support research into canine aging and mobility and GI issues in cats and dogs. The recipients are Cornell University, Colorado State University and the University of California, Davis.
Virginia Emergency Hospital to Open in March
Virginia Veterinary Centers is constructing its fourth emergency and specialty hospital in Short Pump, Virginia. The 32,000-square-foot hospital in suburban Richmond is expected to open in March 2025 and offer around-the-clock emergency care.
VEG Is Certifiably a Great Place to Work
Veterinary Emergency Group has earned certification from the workplace culture company Great Place to Work. According to VEG, “This year, 84% of employees said it’s a great place to work — 27 points higher than the average U.S. company.” VEG operates more than 85 hospitals nationwide.