The equine veterinary services industry in Europe plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and welfare of horses. This sector includes a mix of veterinary practices, specialized hospitals, and technology firms that provide medical care, diagnostics, and innovative solutions such as telemedicine and mobile applications for owners. As health-conscious trends grow, businesses are expanding their offerings to include preventative care and wellness products. With a focus on integrating technology into care, the industry is advancing towards more personalized and accessible equine health solutions, reflecting an increasing commitment to animal welfare and overall equine management effectiveness.


The list features a blend of investors including venture capital firms, private equity groups, and corporate entities, each with a strategic footprint across Europe. Headquartered in vibrant cities like Paris, London, and Stockholm, these investors vary in size, from nimble teams to large organizations. Founded between 1986 and 2021, they collectively executed over 100 investments in 2024, focusing on innovations within the equine veterinary services sphere. Their presence underlines a growing interest in initiatives aimed at improving equine healthcare and the associated technology in this specialized market.


Top 15 Equine Veterinary Services Investors in Europe


1. CVS Group plc

  • Website: cvsukltd.co.uk
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Diss, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn:

CVS Group plc is a corporate investor based in Diss, England, United Kingdom, specializing in veterinary services for small animals, equine, and farm animals. Founded in 1999, the company operates a network of veterinary practices across the UK, providing comprehensive care, including veterinary services, pet insurance, and health programs. CVS Group has made significant strides in the equine veterinary sector, highlighted by its acquisitions of several equine clinics. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Scott Dunns Equine Clinic in 2006, Western Counties Equine Hospital in 2018, Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic in 2017, B&W Equine Veterinary Group in 2017, and Corner House Equine Clinic in 2018. These acquisitions reflect CVS Group's strategic expansion into the equine market, which now comprises 32 sites, showcasing their dedication to enhancing equine veterinary services.


2. VetPartners Limited

  • Website: vetpartners.co.uk
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: York, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: vetpartners-limited

VetPartners Limited is a corporate investor based in York, England, founded in 2015. The company operates as a veterinary practice group, providing a wide range of services for pets, equines, and farm animals across the UK. VetPartners is dedicated to delivering high-quality veterinary care and support to pet owners and farmers, ensuring the health and well-being of animals. Notably, VetPartners has made significant strides in the equine veterinary services sector through strategic acquisitions. In March 2021, they acquired Rossdales, the largest equine veterinary practice in Europe, enhancing their capabilities in equine care. Additionally, in August 2018, they expanded their equine division by acquiring Liphook Equine Hospital and Rainbow Equine Hospital. These acquisitions reflect VetPartners' commitment to strengthening its position in the equine veterinary market and providing specialized services tailored to the needs of equine clients.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the equine veterinary services sector, including Equisense, which raised $3,366,437 in 2016, and Vetbiolix, which raised $4,230,248 in 2024. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to advancing technologies and services that benefit equine health and veterinary practices.


4. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in a diverse range of investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing varied investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the veterinary services industry, including a substantial investment in IVC Evidensia, Europe's largest veterinary care provider, and a majority stake acquisition in Evidensia Djursjukvård, the Nordic market leader in veterinary services. Additionally, EQT acquired VetPartners for $1.4 billion and Independent Vetcare, the third largest veterinary services provider in the UK. These transactions highlight EQT's active role in the veterinary sector, making them a relevant investor in the equine veterinary services space.


5. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has made significant investments in the equine sector, including a €250,000 investment in EquiTrace, an app designed for horses, and a €550,000 investment in Equilume, which specializes in equine light technology for the Thoroughbred industry. These transactions highlight Enterprise Ireland's active role in fostering innovation within the equine veterinary services context, making it a relevant investor in this field.


6. Swedencare

  • Website: swedencare.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Malmo, Skåne, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: swedencare

Swedencare is a corporate investor based in Malmo, Skåne, Sweden, specializing in pet health products, including dietary supplements for dogs, cats, and horses. Founded in 2000, the company has made significant strides in the animal healthcare sector through various acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Ecuphar Ltd in 2016, which is known for its products in the equine segment, thereby enhancing their offerings for horse health. Other acquisitions, such as Nutravet and NaturVet, further solidify their position in the animal healthcare market. Swedencare operates an online store, allowing consumers to purchase their products directly, which includes a focus on improving pet health and addressing various health issues. Their strategic acquisitions reflect a commitment to expanding their reach and capabilities in the veterinary services industry, including equine care.


7. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions relevant to the equine veterinary services context, including a significant investment in HoofStep, which raised SEK 4M to develop a mobile application for horse owners. Additionally, Almi has invested in PreVet, which indicates a broader interest in veterinary services. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to supporting innovations that benefit the equine industry.


8. August Equity

  • Website: augustequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: augustequity

August Equity is a private equity investment firm based in London, UK, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in managing investments in service-oriented businesses across various sectors, including healthcare, education, business services, and technology. August Equity partners with experienced management teams to drive growth and innovation, providing capital and strategic support to enhance the operations of their portfolio companies. Notably, August Equity has made significant investments in the veterinary services sector, acquiring companies such as VetPartners in 2015, Westpoint Veterinary Group in 2014, Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging in 2018, and Independent Vetcare in 2011. These transactions highlight their commitment to expanding their footprint in the animal health sector, which includes veterinary services that could encompass equine care.


9. Seventure Partners

  • Website: seventure.fr
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: seventure-partners

Seventure Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1997, specializing in managing funds for innovative companies in the digital technology and life sciences sectors. They focus on supporting startups and growth-stage companies through strategic funding. Notably, Seventure has been involved in several transactions relevant to the equine veterinary services industry. For instance, they backed HorseCom, a company that developed a connected audio kit for horses and riders, highlighting their interest in equine-related innovations. Additionally, their investment in ViroVet, a biopharmaceutical company that is developing veterinary products, showcases their commitment to advancing veterinary care. These transactions illustrate Seventure's active role in the veterinary services sector, particularly in areas that can benefit equine health and management.


10. Vimian Group

  • Website: vimian.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: vimian-group

Vimian Group is an animal health company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2021. The company is dedicated to improving animal health through innovative diagnostics, treatments, and veterinary services. Vimian operates globally, serving veterinary professionals and pet owners, and focuses on addressing unmet medical needs in the animal health sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Vertical Vet, LLC, which enhances their Veterinary Services segment and adds over 1,100 member clinics, indicating a commitment to expanding their veterinary service offerings. Additionally, Vimian has acquired companies like New Generation Devices, which specializes in veterinary orthopedic implants, and Freelance Surgical, a provider of surgical products, further demonstrating their active role in the veterinary market. While their current focus is more on companion animals, their strategic acquisitions suggest a potential interest in broader veterinary services, including equine care.


11. IK Partners

  • Website: ikpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: ik-investment-partners

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, England, specializing in mid-market investments across Europe. Founded in 1989, the firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in various sectors, including Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. Notably, IK Partners has made significant investments in the animal health sector, including the acquisition of CEVA Santé Animale, a prominent veterinary services provider, and Innovad, which operates in the animal nutrition and health space. Their acquisition of CID LINES further emphasizes their commitment to the animal health industry. By partnering with management teams, IK Partners aims to enhance growth and create long-term value for their portfolio companies, which may include opportunities in equine veterinary services.


12. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. With a workforce of 1001-5000, it provides a variety of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, showcasing its active role in the investment landscape. Notably, it participated in funding rounds for MI:RNA, a veterinary diagnostics company that raised $4 million in Series A funding to enhance animal health testing. Additionally, Scottish Enterprise contributed to funding rounds for Biotangents, a Scottish biotechnology firm focused on developing rapid disease detection technology for animals, which received significant funding to support its innovative solutions. These transactions highlight Scottish Enterprise's commitment to advancing veterinary services, particularly in the context of animal health and diagnostics.


13. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant investments in the veterinary services sector, including the acquisition of Medivet, a veterinary group with over 350 branches in the UK, for over £1 billion. This acquisition highlights CVC's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the veterinary field, which may encompass equine veterinary services. Additionally, CVC has a history of acquiring companies in various sectors, demonstrating their diverse investment strategy.


14. Dechra

  • Website: dechra.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Northwich, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: dechra-veterinary-products

Dechra Pharmaceuticals plc is a corporate investor based in Northwich, England, specializing in veterinary pharmaceuticals. Founded in 1997, Dechra has established itself as a key player in the veterinary market by developing, manufacturing, and marketing high-quality products aimed at enhancing animal health and welfare. The company has been active in expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including Eurovet Animal Health, AST Farma, DermaPet, Med Pharmex, and Invetx. These acquisitions have primarily focused on enhancing their product offerings and manufacturing capabilities across various veterinary sectors, including companion animals. While their transactions do not explicitly highlight a focus on equine veterinary services, their broad expertise in veterinary pharmaceuticals positions them as a potential investor in this area.


15. BC Partners

  • Website: bcpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: bc-partners

BC Partners LLP is a private equity investment firm founded in 1986, based in London, England. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, and real estate, providing investment management services to institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. BC Partners has a strong presence in Europe and North America, focusing on operational efficiency and value creation. Notably, they have made significant investments in the veterinary services sector, including the acquisition of VetPartners, the largest veterinary services group in the UK, for £700 million. This transaction, announced in August 2018, highlights their commitment to the veterinary industry. Additionally, BC Partners has invested in other animal health-related companies, such as PetLab Co., which focuses on premium animal health products, further demonstrating their interest in the broader animal health market.



Equine Veterinary Services Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CVS Group plcDiss, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000019991
VetPartners LimitedYork, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000020151
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
SwedencareMalmo, Skåne, Sweden11-5020001
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
August EquityLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020010
Seventure PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France11-50199721
Vimian GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-500020210
IK PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500198914
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
DechraNorthwich, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019972
BC PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019866


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