OPINION — Just when you thought the cost of healthcare couldn’t rise any further, they’re coming for our pets.
Covetrus and MWI Animal Health are names most pet owners have never heard, but they sit behind the veterinary examination room door. MWI is a major distributor of animal-health products. Covetrus operates across veterinary distribution, pharmacy services and practice-management technology. Their proposed merger, valuing MWI at $3.5 billion, would further concentrate control over the medicines, supplies and technology that veterinarians depend on.
The Federal Trade Commission is intensifying its review of the deal and has reportedly sought information from customers and competitors about its potential effect on veterinary products and practice management software. It should stop it.