The Linnaeus Group was established following Sovereign’s 2014 platform investment in Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, one of the largest and most highly regarded small animal specialist veterinary centres in the UK. During the period of Sovereign's investment, 21 more businesses joined the Group. Today Linnaeus is recognised as one of the leading providers of veterinary services in the UK.
Peter explains: “Sovereign recognised our premium product and were keen to build upon it. We felt they would give Willows the best chance of strengthening its position in a changing marketplace – a business that would have the funding and infrastructure to grow. We introduced Lynne Hill to Sovereign as a potential CEO. She had successfully run multidisciplinary facilities and, crucially to us, she was also a vet. Sovereign were prepared to look at that and Lynne was appointed."
A deal was structured that enabled Peter and Malcom to step back from running the business day-to-day and become Non-Executive Directors whilst retaining a shareholding.
At the end of Sovereign's investment the Group was recognised as one of the UK’s leading veterinary groups and had:
Linnaeus was acquired in June 2018 by Mars Petcare’s Veterinary Health Group, a part of Mars, Inc., which was a natural fit for the Group.
Sovereign recognised our premium product and were keen to build upon it. We felt Sovereign would give Willows the best chance of strengthening its position in a changing marketplace – a business that would have the funding and infrastructure to grow.
Peter Renwick / Co-founder / Willows