Corporate group
IVC Evidensia
Last updated 3 May 2026
At a glance
IVC Evidensia is the largest veterinary group in Europe by practice count. It is privately held, with EQT (Swedish private-equity) as the majority backer alongside other institutional investors. In the UK, IVC operates extensive first-opinion small-animal practices alongside referral hospitals (Davies Veterinary Specialists, Anderson Moores, others), out-of-hours providers (Vets Now), and a network of veterinary laboratories.
Ownership and structure
IVC Evidensia was formed by the 2017 merger of Independent Vetcare (UK) and Evidensia (Sweden, formed itself by merging Evidensia and Anicura). The combined group is privately held; the largest shareholder is EQT, with Silver Lake, Nestlé Health Science, and other institutional investors holding minority stakes.
As a privately-held group, IVC does not publish audited annual accounts in the same form as the listed groups (CVS, Pets at Home). Practice count and financial performance are disclosed via private investor reporting rather than public filings.
Scale in the UK market
IVC Evidensia is the largest UK corporate vet group by practice count. Under the IVC banner sit hundreds of UK first-opinion practices, several major referral hospitals (Davies Veterinary Specialists, Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, North Downs Specialist Referrals, others), the Vets Now out-of-hours network, and a portfolio of veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
Vets Now matters specifically: it is the largest dedicated UK out-of-hours and emergency veterinary provider. Many UK first-opinion practices that don't provide their own in-house OOH care refer to Vets Now for emergencies, including practices not owned by IVC.
What the CMA's transparency remedies require
Under the CMA's 2025 final order, every IVC-owned UK practice (and Vets Now) must publish price-transparency disclosures, clearly disclose IVC ownership, and surface lower-cost alternatives where clinically appropriate. The OOH disclosure remedy is particularly relevant given Vets Now's market position: practices that refer to Vets Now must disclose the referral and the OOH provider's pricing.
Frequently asked
Who owns IVC Evidensia?
IVC Evidensia is privately held, with Swedish private-equity firm EQT as the majority backer. Other institutional investors hold minority stakes including Silver Lake and Nestlé Health Science. The group was formed by the 2017 merger of Independent Vetcare (UK) and Evidensia (Sweden).
Is Vets Now owned by IVC Evidensia?
Yes. Vets Now is part of IVC Evidensia. Vets Now is the largest dedicated UK out-of-hours and emergency veterinary provider; many UK first-opinion practices, including some not owned by IVC, refer to Vets Now for out-of-hours care. Under the CMA's 2025 transparency order, the Vets Now ownership and pricing must be disclosed by referring practices.
How many UK vet practices does IVC own?
IVC Evidensia is the largest UK corporate vet group by first-opinion practice count, with hundreds of UK practices alongside its referral hospitals, Vets Now out-of-hours network, and laboratories. The exact UK practice count is disclosed via private investor reporting rather than public filings.
Is my local vet owned by IVC?
Many UK first-opinion practices that retain their original local branding are corporate-owned by IVC. Under the CMA's 2025 price-transparency order every IVC-owned practice must clearly disclose its corporate ownership on its website. If you're unsure, the practice's website or its Vet Cost Index profile will state the ownership group.
Find IVC Evidensia practices near you
Search by postcode and filter by ownership group to see published CMA Vet Services price-transparency disclosures.