Who Owns Your Vet?

Linnaeus

Headquarters: Solihull, UK

private equity backed

Also known as: Linnaeus Veterinary Group

~200
UK Practices
~8%
Market Share
2
Countries

Ownership Structure

Mars, Incorporated
corporation • USA
100%

Private Equity Ownership: Private equity firms typically aim to generate returns within 5-7 years, which may influence business decisions including pricing and cost management.

Reputation & Regulatory Matters

cma investigation

Parent company Mars subject to CMA veterinary market investigation

September 2024

View source
positive initiatives

Linnaeus Foundation supports veterinary education and welfare projects

January 2023

Overview

Linnaeus was founded in 2014 and acquired by Mars, Incorporated in 2020. The group focuses on both first-opinion veterinary care and specialist referral services.

Mars Connection

Mars, Incorporated is best known for chocolate brands like M&Ms, Snickers, and Mars bars, but pet care is actually a larger part of their business. Through Mars Petcare, they own:

  • Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin - Pet food brands
  • Banfield, VCA, BluePearl - Veterinary practices (North America)
  • Linnaeus - Veterinary practices (UK/Ireland)

This vertical integration means Mars profits from pet food, pet health, and veterinary care - raising questions about conflicts of interest.

UK Presence

Linnaeus operates approximately 200 practices including:

  • First-opinion (general practice) veterinary clinics
  • Specialist referral centres
  • 24-hour emergency hospitals

What Pet Owners Should Know

  • Linnaeus practices are owned by a global corporation with interests across the pet industry
  • The Mars ownership may not always be prominently displayed at individual practices
  • As part of Mars Petcare, there may be connections to pet food recommendations