M Vetlink

Henry Schein has announced the acquisition of C&M Vetlink, a move that will help it to expand its animal health presence in Ireland.

The takeover, which is expected to be finalised by the end of the year, will see Henry Schein taking control of a business that distributes a wide variety of veterinary and companion animal health products across the nation.

C&M Vetlink's sales for the 12 months ending on July 30th 2012 came to 42 million euros (33.54 million pounds), with 70 percent of this total coming from products for large animals.

The firm's managing director Edmond Wall and assistant managing director Jim Spratt will continue to serve in key roles following the takeover.

Stanley Bergman, chairman and chief executive officer of Henry Schein, said: "We very much welcome the opportunity to build on the firm foundation of C&M Vetlink and to providing our Irish veterinary customers with even more products and services to meet their practice needs."

This follows the company's purchase of AUV Veterinary Services, the leading distributor serving animal health practitioners in the Netherlands and Belgium, earlier this year.