PawsPlus to Acquire Animal Health AssociatesPawsPlus to Acquire Animal Health AssociatesPosted: Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 5:14 p.m., EDTnewslinePawsPlus Inc. has agreed to acquire Animal Health Associates Inc. Both companies are based in Sarasota, Fla. Animal Health’s corporate philosophy, organizational structure and business model mirrors PawsPlus’ operating subsidiary, Vetco Hospitals Inc., said K. Bryan Shobe, CEO of PawsPlus. “PawsPlus will consolidate its corporate headquarters by expanding the Florida headquarter office of Animal Health in Sarasota and relocating some staff from its offices around the country,” Shobe said. “Animal Health and Vetco Hospitals will continue to operate as separate subsidiaries of PawsPlus, maintaining their brands in the markets where they currently operate.” Vetco Hospitals was launched in the Southern California market in April 1996 with five full-service animal hospitals. In addition, it operates more than 350 temporary vaccination clinics in more than 175 retail locations a month in six Western states. Shobe reported that Vetco Hospital sales increased by 40.5 percent, to $11.7 million, in 2008 from $8.3 million in 2007. Animal Health Associates was launched in Sarasota in May 1997. It operates 180 temporary vaccination clinics in more than 130 retail locations a month in Florida and Georgia. “Animal Health ended the 2008 calendar year solidly profitable with sales of $6.1 million,” said George Johnson, president of Animal Health. “We are excited about combining the two companies, which will allow for increased margins by being able to take advantage of volume pricing and back-office efficiencies. This is an ideal time for this merger to happen.” <HOME>PawsPlus Inc. has agreed to acquire Animal Health Associates Inc. Both companies are based in Sarasota, Fla.PawsPlus Inc. has agreed to acquire Animal Health Associates Inc. Both companies are based in Sarasota, Fla.PawsPlus, Animal Health Associates, Animal Health, Vetco
