French group buys animal drugs company Alstoe

Sogeval bought York-based Alstoe Animal Health for an undisclosed sum, acquiring its portfolio of therapies.

Alstoe, founded in 1994, has about 25 staff in York. It has two market leading products: Vetergesic for control of post-operative pain in cats and dogs and Gleptosil, which prevents anaemia in piglets. Its other products include drugs to improve animal mobility and maintain liver health.

Ian Ryder, director of Alstoe Animal Health, said: “The acquisition is the culmination of over four years of co-operation between the companies that has seen substantial growth of Sogeval products in the UK and Vetergesic in France.”

Fellow Alstoe director John Nellis said: “It’s business as usual with the UK and Ireland operations continuing from Alstoe’s York base for the foreseeable future.”

Based in north west, France, Sogeval develops, produces and markets veterinary products for pets and livestock under its own brands and for third parties.

It sells its products in 60 countries and has two subsidiaries in Denmark and the USA.

José Daoudal, president of Sogeval, said: “The acquisition of Alstoe Animal Health is a major step in the international growth ambition of Sogeval and will allow Sogeval to continue its international growth strategy in the UK market, one of the most important in Europe.”

Sogeval is a subsidiary of the animal division of Sofiproteol Group, a leading agri-food company which achieved sales of seven billion euros in 2012 and employs 8,000 people in 14 countries.

The deal completed recently with Christian Hunt, corporate partner at Leeds law firm Clarion, and Richard Feltham, corporate finance partner at Garbutt and Elliot, advising the vendors.

Christian Hunt of Clarion said: “Having worked with John and Ian for a number of years, it’s great to see their hard work being recognised.”