North Cork veterinary practice acquired by global firm

Competition authority has been notified of the acquisition of Acorn Veterinary Clinic, which runs clinicks at Kildorrery and Mallow, by Independent Vetcare Ireland

Independent Vetcare has been steadily acquiring practices around the country in recent years. It runs a network of around 38 veterinary practices across 59 sites. Picture: iStock

The Acorn Veterinary Clinic in North Cork has become the latest practice acquired by international veterinary groups.

The competition authority has been notified of the acquisition by Independent Vetcare Ireland Ltd of the practice, which operates two clinics in Kildorrery and Mallow, providing small and large animal care in the North Cork and surrounding area.

Independent Vetcare Ireland is a wholly owned subsidiary of IVC Acquisitions Limited, which in turn is part of the IVC Evidensia group of companies. 

IVC Evidensia is a global provider of veterinary care with a network of around 2,600 clinics, hospitals and out-of-hours centres, based across 20 countries. It reported global revenues of almost €4bn in 2024 and acquired 72 practices worldwide. In trheir forward-looking statement, the group said the number of acquisitions was expected to increase significantly again in 2025.

In Ireland, Independent Vetcare has been steadily acquiring practices around the country in recent years. It runs a network of around 38 veterinary practices across roughly 59 sites, covering both companion animal and farm services. Local practices retain their name and clinical autonomy, with administration and training managed at a group level.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has already approved four acquisitions by the group of Local Irish practices, including Tullamore Pet Hospital, Well Pet Hospital in Sligo, and all Creatures Limited in Roscommon.

Another UK-based firm, VetPartners Limited, has made similar acquisitions in Ireland and owns 25 practices across the State, along with operations in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland.

Acorn Veterinary Clinic was established in 1958. 

Initially, the practice was almost entirely dedicated to servicing the dairy industry from its base in Kildorrery. They also built up a strong practice base in Mallow, which was established in 2006 by Noel Ahern.

The CCPC has opened a first-phase assessment of the planned acquisition by Independent Vetcare, with submissions due from third parties by May 22.

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