Vets Central / Hills Veterinary CentreMN-40017

Parties

Summary

VC Operations (WA) Pty Ltd, part of the Vets Central group, proposes to acquire 100% of the business assets of Hills Veterinary Centre from veterinarian Jonathan Julian Carruthers. This veterinary services transaction sees Vets Central, which operates 78 practices, acquire a full-service practice in Blackwood, South Australia.

Acquisition details

VC Operations (WA) Pty Ltd, which is part of the Vets Central group of companies ( Vets Central ), proposes to acquire 100% of the business assets of Hills Veterinary Centre from veterinarian, Jonathan Julian Carruthers (the Acquisition ). Vets Central is an Australian owned veterinary group that owns and operates 78 first opinion veterinary practices across Australia, including Familypet Vet Coromandel Valley, which is located approximately 3.5 km from Hills Veterinary Centre. Vets Central’s practices provide core and ancillary veterinary services for household pets as well as livestock, and other exotic species. The services primarily include routine, planned, and emergency veterinary services (excluding after-hours services). Hills Veterinary Centre is a full-service veterinary practice in Blackwood, South Australia. The business provides a range of first opinion core and ancillary veterinary services for household pets (extending to exotic pets) in the local area.

Consultation

The ACCC has prepared a questionnaire on the Acquisition. Submissions or information in response to the questionnaire should be provided by 9 July 2026 via email to mergers@accc.gov.au with the title Vets Central - Hills Veterinary Centre . The ACCC’s ability to give detailed consideration to submissions received after this time may be limited.