One of the most significant findings from the CMA's veterinary market investigation is that most pet owners have no idea whether their vet practice is independently owned or part of a large corporate group. Practices that were bought by corporate groups typically keep their original name, staff, and branding — making the change invisible to clients.

The Six Major Corporate Groups

IVC Evidensia

The largest veterinary group in the UK, backed by private equity firm EQT Partners. IVC Evidensia owns over 1,000 UK practices. It is also the largest veterinary group in Europe.

CVS Group

Publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange (CVSG). Owns approximately 500 UK practices, including some specialist referral centres and laboratories. CVS also runs several out-of-hours emergency services.

Linnaeus (Mars, Inc.)

Owned by Mars, the American confectionery and pet care conglomerate (which also owns Royal Canin, Pedigree, Whiskas, and Banfield Pet Hospitals). Linnaeus owns approximately 200 UK practices and several specialist referral centres. Mars also owns Vets Now (the emergency service) and AniCura in Europe.

VetPartners

Founded in 2015, VetPartners has grown rapidly through acquisitions and now owns approximately 400 UK practices. It positions itself as a "partner" model, giving practices more autonomy than some other groups.

Medivet

Owns approximately 400 practices under the Medivet brand. Unlike other groups, Medivet typically rebrands acquired practices to the Medivet name, making ownership more visible.

Pets at Home (Companion Care / Vets4Pets)

The pet retail chain operates veterinary practices within or adjacent to its stores. Owns or operates approximately 450 practices through its Companion Care and Vets4Pets brands.

Why Ownership Matters

  • Price: The CMA found corporate practices charge an average of 17% more than independent practices
  • Clinical independence: Corporate groups may set pricing centrally and may influence which products and treatments are recommended
  • Medication: Some corporate groups discourage prescriptions to keep medication sales in-house
  • Emergency care: Corporate groups may redirect out-of-hours calls to centralised emergency hospitals (often owned by the same group), which can be further away and more expensive

How to Check Who Owns Your Vet

  1. Ask at reception — they are supposed to tell you
  2. Search the practice name on Companies House (companieshouse.gov.uk)
  3. Check the practice's website footer — some mention their corporate parent
  4. Use VetCost's practice pages, which identify corporate ownership where possible

Finding an Independent Vet

If you prefer to support an independent practice, use VetCost to search for practices in your area and filter by ownership type. Independent practices are often cheaper, offer more personalised service, and keep profits within the local community.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: CMA provisional decision (October 2025), Companies House data, VetCost practice data.