Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Veterinary wholesaler bought by US company
Patterson Companies acquires National Veterinary Services

The UK's largest veterinary distributor, National Veterinary Services (NVS), has been conditionally sold to US firm, Patterson Companies.

Patterson Companies, which supplies dental and diagnostic products, vaccines, veterinary equipment and pharmaceuticals, is to acquire all outstanding shares of NVS for £87.5million.

Wholly owned by Dechra Pharmaceuticals, NVS is reported to have had revenues of more than £315million for the year ended June 30, 2013.

As NVS becomes a stand-alone subsidiary of Patterson Companies, the UK wholesaler's current managing director, Martin Riley, will continue in his role which he has held for eight years.

Commenting on the development, CEO of Dechra Ian Page, said: "It will create a focused, international, branded veterinary products business, with the resources to pursue further organic and acquisitive growth and thereby generate increased value for shareholders…

"I believe that Patterson's international presence and sole focus on services will ensure a strong future for these businesses."

The agreement is subject to approval by Dechra shareholders and the closing date has been set for the middle of this month (August).

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk