FTC sues to block Covetrus's $3.5 billion purchase of MWI, saying pet owners would pay more
The agency says joining the two largest veterinary supply distributors would raise costs for clinics and prices for pet owners. The case is in federal court.
What it means for you
- The FTC sued on November 13 to stop Covetrus, owned by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and TPG, from buying rival distributor MWI Veterinary Supply from Cencora for $3.5 billion.
- The agency alleges the deal would merge the two largest suppliers to veterinary clinics and large corporate accounts, raising clinic costs and prices for pet owners.
- The FTC's release says attorneys general from 13 states joined the case, filed in federal court in New York after a 2-0 commission vote; the caption on its case page lists 12.
- The FTC's release and case page include no response from the companies. Cencora's November 4 outlook assumed the merger would close on March 31, 2027.