The Times has contacted the FIVP to discuss how the ongoing Competitions and Marketing Authority (CMA) review is affecting independent practices.
The CMA review, which was launched 7 September, aimed to investigate the pricing and provision of veterinary services and medicines by practices. The review was launched partly in response to the increase in independent practices that are being bought out by large corporates.
In her statement, business development manager Rita Dingwall described the impact that the consolidation of veterinary practices is having on independent practices across the country.
Rita said: “Consolidation increases purchasing power.
“This can be detrimental to local independent practices, already facing financial challenges with increased costs, as buying pharmaceuticals in volume drives the corporate purchase price down [to levels] that independents, unless part of a buying group, cannot possibly achieve.”
The full article can be found here.
