In late 2018, Henry Schein and Vets First Choice announced plans to split Henry Schein’s animal health business and merge with Vets First Choice. The new company is named Covetrus, a global, technology-enabled animal health business, supporting the companion, equine and large-animal veterinary markets. Covetrus combines leading practice management software, prescription management, multi-channel client engagement services and supply chain infrastructure to promote connectivity between veterinarians and their clients. Covetrus has located its logistics and support operation in Cuijk, Brabant.

In February 2019, Covetrus announced its expansion in Cuijk, Brabant. The company will establish an IT department responsible for Europe, extending its current office by eight employees. Covetrus is currently recruiting new staff for these positions; further additions of more departments are not ruled out. The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) and BOM Foreign Investments have supported the company in its expansion process and will continue to do so in the future.

Located in Brabant, Cuijk is part of a unique agrifood and animal health community that also includes Boxmeer and Oss. Prominent companies have set up shop within this community, with Hendrix Genetics, MSD Animal Health, Nutreco and Marel Poultry as flagships. Within a radius of 40 kilometres, the agrifood and animal health community comprises:

· 3,600 companies
· 40,000 jobs
· €455 million investment in R&D
· €4.3 billion of agrifood exports

Add to that the many contacts and collaborations with, for example, the renowned Agricultural University of Wageningen and the industry-driven HAS University of Applied Sciences with its specific focus on agriculture and the food sector, and it is easy to understand why these companies would not exchange this environment for anywhere else in the world.

Within this thriving community, Covetrus focuses on the distribution and sale of veterinary medicine, dietary feeds, medical disposables and instruments to veterinary practices. In addition, the company is involved in practical advice and training. More than 100 employees are working on creating added value for Dutch veterinary practices in changing market conditions.

Source: Covetrus, Henry Schein