WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Aug. 30 that Mars Incorporated will divest 12 veterinary clinics across the country to settle allegations that its $9.1 billion acquisition of pet care company VCA Inc. would violate federal antitrust laws.
The 12 clinics provide specialty and emergency care services. The clinics will be divested to one of three buyers – National Veterinary Associates, Pathway Partners Vet Management Company and PetVet Care Centers.
National Veterinary Associates will take ownership of a clinic in Kansas City, a clinic in New York and a clinic in Phoenix. Pathway will buy a clinic in Chicago, a clinic in Corpus Christi, a clinic in San Antonio, and two clinics in Seattle. Two clinics in Portland and two clinics in the greater Washington, D.C., area will be bought by PetVet.
The FTC voted 2-0 to issue the complaint and accept the proposed consent order for public comment. The agreement, which will be published shortly in the federal register, is currently subject to public comment. After Sept. 29, the commission will decide whether to finalize the proposed consent order.