Bob Martin Acquires Seven Seas Petcare

Pet business Bob Martin (UK) Ltd. yesterday announced the acquisition of the pet and animal healthcare business of Seven Seas, (Merck). The deal, completed for an undisclosed sum, comprises over 100 products including well known brands such as the supplement and healthcare ranges Vetzyme, Vitapet and Super Solvitax.

Manufacture of these products will be transferred from Seven Seas (Hull) to Bob Martin's manufacturing site in Yatton, North Somerset, by the end of the year.

Commenting on the deal, Bob Martin M.D., Savi Madan said:

"This acquisition complements our existing portfolio with the addition of a high quality range of products for pets including a wide range of nutritional supplements products. It will also strengthen our distribution in the independent pet trade sector where we already have strong links through our other brands".

"The Bob Martin brand is tried and trusted by consumers and this acquisition will further enhance our reputation for helping to preserve the welfare of the nation's pets."

Seven Seas expanded its pet and animal health care business during the 1990s. Growth accelerated in 1996 when Seven Seas was acquired by global pharmaceutical and chemical company, Merck.

Pharma share prices have struggled in this troubled economic climate. In the US, Merck shares were down 5.5% yesterday on the news that the country had failed to come to the aid of its banking industry.