MWI enters international animal health market

MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. announced it has acquired Centaur Services Limited, a supplier of animal health products and services to veterinarians in the UK.

The transaction is valued at approximately US$47 million, consisting of US$45 million in cash and US$2 million in a note payable in one year. This acquisition provides an opportunity for MWI to participate in the international market and expand its role in the animal health industry.

Based in Somerset, England, Centaur is a supplier of animal health products to veterinary practices in the UK. Centaur has a distribution centre located in Somerset, England and had total revenues of approximately GBP140 million (US$218.2 million) for the year ended December 31, 2009. Centaur serves 1,200 veterinary clinics in the UK with a product offering of over 18,000 items.

Jim Cleary, President and Chief Executive Officer of MWI, said this partnership will help bring further growth opportunities to the company.

MWI is now a distributor of animal health products to veterinarians across the US and the UK. Products MWI sells include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, capital equipment, supplies, veterinary pet food and nutritional products. The products are marketed to veterinarians in both the companion animal and livestock markets.