FTC Reviews Covetrus-MWI Merger as 2 Animal Health Distributors Seek Scale Against Larger Rivals
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 23
FTC Reviews Covetrus-MWI Merger as 2 Animal Health Distributors Seek Scale Against Larger Rivals
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 23
Summary
Covetrus and MWI Animal Health are among the mergers now under FTC review, with supporters arguing the tie-up would create a larger integrated distributor for veterinary practices.
The case for the deal centers on scale: backers say a combined company could invest more, improve service and lower costs for vets and pet owners in a fast-changing animal health market.
Those arguments also reflect pressure on distributors from drugmakers selling directly to veterinarians and from large retailers including Amazon, CVS and Chewy expanding into pet health.
Andrew Ferguson's FTC is being urged to judge the merger on competitive effects rather than the tougher anti-merger approach associated with former Chair Lina Khan, who touted 43 abandoned deals as victories.