Last checked at 
(Sharecast News) - Industry watchdog the Competition and Markets Authority has opened an investigation into CVS Group's purchase of Quality Pet Care in December 2021, stating the merger raises competition concerns in Bristol, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Warrington.
The CMA said its investigation of CVS' acquisition of Quality Pet Care, which trades as the Vet, found that the combined businesses would account for "a significant proportion" of veterinary services in each of the five areas mentioned.
While veterinary practices owned by CVS and the Vet currently compete for customers at each of these locations, the CMA said it was concerned that the combined businesses would not face "sufficient competition" after the merger, potentially leading to pet owners facing "a worse quality of service", including more limited treatment options, or having to pay higher prices.
Colin Raftery, senior director of mergers at the CMA, said: "The CMA has received a number of complaints in recent years about higher prices or lower quality services as a result of too many vets' practices in the same area being under the control of a single company.
"This deal could lead to customers facing more limited treatment choices for their pets or paying over the odds for services in these areas. Should CVS fail to address our concerns we will refer the deal for an in-depth investigation."
CVS Group owns 467 practices in the UK, while the Vet operates 8 practices across England.
As of 0855 GMT, CVS shares were down 1.81% at 1,840.0p.
