A YORK headquartered veterinary group which has grown revenues to £250 million in just three years has been acquired by an international investment firm.

BC Partners LLP announced yesterday that its funds had acquired a majority stake in Holgate-based VetPartners UK for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2015, VetPartners has grown to become one of the UK’s leading operators of small animal, mixed and equine veterinary practices, owning more than 310 veterinary clinics across the UK.

It has grown rapidly over the last three years, adding an average of 80 clinics to the group annually while sustaining strong like-for-like top-line growth, generating revenues of over £250 million in the year to June 2018.

BC Partners has acquired the majority stake from funds managed by the Ares Management, L.P. (Ares) Credit Group, August Equity and co-investors.

Ares will reinvest alongside BC Partners and the management team, led by chief executive Jo Malone, will also invest in the company.

Shareholders BC Partners and Ares have said will support Ms Malone and her management team in the execution of their ambitious growth plans for the Company, which include growing its customer base, continuing to acquire attractive veterinary practices in the UK and seeking to expand internationally.

Ms Malone said: “We are thrilled that BC Partners are supporting us during the next phase of our growth.

“They bring experience, knowledge and renewed enthusiasm for the ongoing growth of our company.

“They also are very supportive of how we want to continue to develop our business, putting our people at the heart of what we do.

“We wanted to find the right future shareholder for the group and in BC Partners we know we have the perfect partner.

“I would also like to thank both Ares and August for their support and contribution during what has been a highly successful period of growth for the company.