Zenex acquires SAVAVET to expand India pet health business

INDIA – Zenex Animal Health has acquired SAVA Healthcare’s companion animal business, operating under the SAVAVET brand, expanding its presence in India’s growing pet healthcare market and marking its third strategic acquisition since partnering with Multiples Alternate Asset Management.

The acquisition gives Zenex access to SAVAVET’s portfolio of approximately 70 brands covering parasiticides, antibiotics, cardiac care, pain management, dermatology and wellness. 

SAVAVET distributes these products through about 165 stockists and maintains relationships with more than 6,000 veterinarians across India.

The deal strengthens Zenex’s companion animal business while adding SAVAVET’s established brands, veterinary relationships and commercial capabilities to Zenex’s product development, distribution and integration expertise.

Zenex said the acquisition also supports its broader strategy to build a diversified animal healthcare platform spanning livestock, poultry, companion animals, herbal healthcare and international markets. 

The company previously acquired Ayurvet and VievePharm as part of its expansion strategy.

Dr Arun Atrey, managing director of Zenex Animal Health, said the acquisition would give the company immediate scale in companion animal healthcare.

“Companion animal healthcare is one of the fastest-growing segments of animal health in India, and SAVAVET brings Zenex immediate scale through its strong portfolio, established market presence and network of over 6,000 veterinarians.”

Atrey added that the transaction represents another step in Zenex’s strategy to build a comprehensive animal healthcare platform in India.

The acquisition comes as India’s companion animal healthcare market expands alongside rising pet ownership, greater awareness of preventive care and increased spending on animal wellness, according to Zenex.

Manish Gaur, managing director of Multiples Alternate Asset Management, said the acquisition strengthens Zenex’s position across livestock, poultry and companion animal healthcare.

“The addition of SAVAVET further strengthens that foundation and reinforces Zenex’s ability to serve the evolving needs of veterinarians, farmers, and pet parents across the country.”

The transaction also allows SAVA Healthcare to sharpen its focus on human health formulations, pharmaceutical research and development, contract manufacturing and international business. 

SAVA will retain its farm animal business and continue manufacturing agreed products for Zenex and other veterinary companies under contract manufacturing arrangements.

Karthik Rajan, chief executive officer of SAVA Healthcare, said the divestment would allow the company to focus management resources on its human health and pharmaceutical activities while retaining its farm animal business.

The acquisition strengthens Zenex’s position in India’s companion animal healthcare segment while adding another established veterinary portfolio to its wider animal health platform.

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