Ceva, Mitsui form new Japan animal health venture as partnership expands

JAPAN – Ceva Animal Health and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. have created a new joint venture, Ceva Bussan Animal Health, combining Bussan Animal Health and Ceva Japan to strengthen their position in Japan’s livestock and pet health sectors.

Under the agreement, Mitsui transferred 60% of its shareholding in Bussan Animal Health (BAH) to Ceva, giving Ceva controlling ownership of the new business while Mitsui retains strategic involvement. 

Mitsui also made an additional equity investment in Ceva, deepening the long-standing relationship between the two companies.

The move brings together BAH’s 75-year presence in Japan’s veterinary market with Ceva’s global animal health portfolio and research capabilities.

Ceva Bussan Animal Health will operate as a full-line animal health company serving the livestock and companion animal sectors in Japan. 

The combined business will integrate BAH’s established veterinary distribution network with Ceva’s livestock and pet product portfolio, including over-the-counter pet health products.

BAH generated approximately €40 million (US$43.5 million) in revenue in 2025 and has extensive experience serving veterinarians and pet owners in Japan. 

Ceva Japan contributes commercial, regulatory, and marketing expertise, along with products for swine, ruminant, and companion animal health.

The joint venture will be led by Tadahiro Ohashi, former Managing Director of Ceva Japan, who has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Former BAH CEO Akito Umeda will serve as Deputy CEO.

Marc Prikazsky, Executive Chairman of Ceva Animal Health, said the venture would strengthen the company’s long-term commitment to Japan’s animal health market.

“With Ceva Bussan Animal Health, we are opening a new chapter for animal health in Japan,” Prikazsky said.

“By combining the deep roots and expertise of BAH with Ceva’s global innovation capabilities, we are creating a company uniquely positioned to better serve veterinarians, farmers and pet owners.”

Toshitaka Inuzuka, Chief Operating Officer of Mitsui’s Nutrition and Agriculture Business Unit, said the partnership would create new growth opportunities in Japan’s animal health industry.

Ceva reshapes leadership structure

The joint venture announcement comes as Ceva introduces a new dual leadership structure to support the company’s next phase of global expansion.

Ceva recently appointed Sébastien Huron as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, while Marc Prikazsky transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman.

Under the new structure, Prikazsky will focus on long-term strategy, investor relations, innovation, and leadership development, while Huron will oversee operational management and chair the executive committee.

Huron joins Ceva after more than 30 years in the animal health industry, including leadership positions at Mars Inc., Intervet and Virbac, where he served as CEO from 2017 to 2024.

Ceva said the governance changes reflect the company’s increasing scale and international expansion ambitions.

The company is currently ranked as the world’s fifth-largest animal health company. 

It has continued to expand through acquisitions, partnerships, and investments across the livestock, aquaculture, and companion animal health markets globally.

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