We are delighted to have won 'UK Mid-Cap Exit of the Year', at the British Private Equity Awards, for the successful exit of Linnaeus Group to Mars Petcare’s Veterinary Health Group, part of Mars Inc – Sovereign’s largest ever exit. This is our second award for the exit of Linnaeus; earlier this year, the exit won UK Mid-Cap Deal of the Year’ at the Private Equity Awards.

Again, our huge thanks go to Lynne Hill, the highly experienced industry CEO and veterinary surgeon, Paul Coxon, FD, who Sovereign had previously backed as FD for the highly successful investment in CVS, and David Mobbs, Chairman. We would also like to thank our advisors on the transaction which included Lincoln International, Pinsent Masons, Alvarez & Marsal, Spectrum CF, Mansfield Advisors and Grant Thornton.

The Linnaeus growth story saw 21 acquisitions completed, significant organic growth via roll-out funding and an increase in EBITDA by more than 700%. Today Linnaeus is recognised as one of the UK’s leading veterinary services providers.