Pareto Securities advises the shareholders of Tierklinik Hofheim on the sale to IVC Evidensia Group

• Pareto lays foundation for successful closing with customized transaction structure and access to relevant financial and strategic investors in the animal health sector
• Divestment of the largest animal hospital in Germany is considered a lighthouse
  transaction in the international animal health market
• Pareto with special expertise in advising and implementing projects in the areas of M&A and business succession

Frankfurt, August 2, 2022 - The German branch of Pareto Securities AS, an international investment bank headquartered in Oslo and a long-standing partner of SMEs in Germany, announces that, following the approval of the German Federal Cartel Office and the execution of the closing conditions, the sale of the veterinary hospital Hofheim near Frankfurt has been successfully completed. Pareto has thus achieved an important milestone in the German animal health market. The buyer is the internationally operating IVC Evidensia Group, which has already acquired numerous veterinary clinics and practices in Europe and Canada. The sale of the Hofheim veterinary clinic represents a lighthouse transaction, in terms of the size of the transaction and reputation of the animal clinic in the industry. With the acquisition, IVC Evidensia intends to sustainably develop the leading market position of the Hofheim veterinary clinic and achieve synergies in the medical sector.

Lutz Weiler, CEO Pareto Securities Germany, explains: "With the tailor-made transaction structure, we as Pareto contributed to the successful completion of the transaction of Tierklinik Hofheim, which was thereby implemented highly efficiently within only five months. This ensured an appropriate continuation of the entrepreneurial activities of the veterinary clinic and created maximum flexibility in the context of the company succession. Also important for the success of the transaction was the involvement of the long-term (or current) top performers, for whom attractive prospects could be agreed. As Pareto, we have established access to the relevant international investors in the animal health sector. Thus, the relevant facilities or the veterinarians involved benefit from our many years of experience and numerous transactions in the field of healthcare services".

Christoph Vigelius, Partner Investment Banking at Pareto Securities Germany, continues: "The market for animal health is not only a growing market, but it also faces significant structural challenges, which offer opportunities for veterinarians and investors alike. Germany and also other European regions are currently moving more and more into the focus of investors and are thus following the development that can already be traced internationally. In our discussions with the veterinary clinics and veterinarians, we see a growing interest in going new ways, also in terms of a change in ownership, in order to strive for a good succession plan". 

As the market leader in Germany, Tierklinik Hofheim is also one of the largest veterinary clinics in Europe. Since its founding in 1997, the animal clinic can look back on a total of 25 years of growth and today has more than 300 employees and 100 veterinarians. As a referral-only clinic, Hofheim Animal Hospital does not compete with smaller veterinary practices. The reputation of the Hofheim Veterinary Clinic is outstanding, as about 25% of all veterinarians in Germany have already referred patients and their owners to the Hofheim Veterinary Clinic for treatment.

In view of the continuing growth of the global market for pet supplies, the transaction is under positive omens. Pet owners are becoming increasingly health-oriented, and with this comes a growing demand for high-quality services and products. The market is also benefiting from medical advances and the increasing willingness of pet owners to invest significantly in extending the life of their pets.

Pareto Securities has become an ideal partner in the healthcare sector with more than 40 transactions in the last three years. This includes another transaction in the animal health market this year with a capital increase of approximately EUR 340 million for the company Swedencare AB. In the healthcare market, Pareto Securities, with its services in the areas of "Equity Capital Markets", "Debt Capital Markets" and "Mergers and Acquisitions", has extensive experience and a comprehensive network covering the areas of veterinary services as well as, in the area of human medicine, clinics, outpatient and inpatient care, diagnostics and laboratories, medical technology and private equity.
 

About Pareto Securities

Founded in 1986, Pareto Securities is headquartered in Norway and has offices in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, Switzerland, the US, Singapore and Australia. Pareto Securities has a leading position in the Nordic financial markets and a strong international presence. Pareto Securities offers a wide range of financial services, including equity and fixed income brokerage, equity, debt and project finance, and advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions and restructuring.