Navigating the Sale of Your Veterinary Practice: Insights for a Successful Transition:

Some of what we've learned lately:

Today's veterinary market presents exciting opportunities and complex challenges for practice owners considering a sale. While corporate consolidators actively acquire practices, navigating these transactions successfully requires careful planning and strategic execution. Based on our recent experience advising veterinary practices in deals with consolidators, we’ve seen firsthand how the proper guidance can make a critical difference.

Maximizing Value Through Strategic Negotiation

The value of an experienced M&A advisor often reveals itself in the details. In a recent transaction, our team’s intervention was transformative. By leveraging our deep understanding of market dynamics and buyer expectations, we helped our client secure enhanced earnout terms that better reflected their practice’s growth trajectory. Additionally, we negotiated an improved employment agreement that safeguarded their interests and increased their likelihood of realizing the entire enterprise value of the offer.

Navigating Complex Deal Requirements

Corporate buyers often impose extensive due diligence and contractual requirements that can be overwhelming. In one transaction, we faced a particularly challenging situation involving lease agreements and long-term supply commitments. Through careful structuring and negotiation, we successfully:

• Engineered a cost-effective termination of existing contracts.

• Developed alternative arrangements that satisfied both buyer requirements and seller interests.

• Created flexible terms that protected our client’s long-term financial position.

Mitigating Post-Transaction Risk

One commonly overlooked aspect of practice sales is post-closing risk management. Our team has consistently delivered value by negotiating strong protections for our clients. By setting clear liability thresholds and implementing vendor liability caps, we’ve significantly reduced our clients’ exposure to post-transaction claims and disputes.

Considering All Your Options: Corporate or Private Sale?

While corporate consolidators remain a major force in the market, private sales continue to be a strong and viable option, particularly for one to two veterinarian practices. In recent years, we’ve seen growing interest from associates looking to buy into existing practices, as well as from independent buyers and startups eager to establish their own clinics.

We have successfully guided numerous private transactions, structuring deals that align with owners’ goals while ensuring a smooth transition for teams and clients. Whether considering a corporate sale, a private transition, or an associate buy-in, understanding your options is key to making the right decision for your practice’s future.

Planning for a Successful Transition

Selling your veterinary practice is a significant milestone; proper guidance can make all the difference. At Legacy Valuations & Advisory, we specialize in helping practice owners navigate the complexities of transitioning, ensuring they achieve the best possible outcome.

Whether you're considering a sale now or simply exploring your options, our team is here to provide expert insights tailored to your unique situation. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward securing your practice’s future.

stevegroner@legacyvaluations.ca 📞 604-306-1095

nikad@legacyvaluations.ca 📞 604-916-7316