Centaur Services' veterinary wholesale business has been acquired by AHN International.  Centaur was founded in 1964 by a group of veterinary surgeons who wanted to increase their buying power and the range of products available to them.    Over the next 44 years the business, which was owned by its veterinary surgeon shareholders, grew to a turnover of nearly £140m. 
 
The company has recently completed a 3 year programme of modernisation making it one of the most technologically advanced wholesalers in Europe. In September 2007, Centaur Services announced its intention to list its shares on the Alternative Investments Market (AIM). These plans were initially postponed and finally cancelled when the Centaur shareholders accepted the offer from AHN.
 
Paul Gerring, Centaur Services' Managing Director said: "There has been considerable consolidation in the veterinary market over recent years, particularly amongst manufacturers, and this partnership with AHN provides us with an increased presence in the market. Like Centaur, AHN is a vet-focussed business with plans to be active in the veterinary supply market on a European and global basis.  We see plenty of exciting opportunities out there".
 
AHN International was established to form the first global coalition of leading animal health wholesalers and distributors.  With nearly 700 employees worldwide, AHN International is committed to presenting the veterinary surgeons with an advanced level of product and services.  Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, AHN International will actively build it's network of leading trading companies around the world through acquisitions and business associations.

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