Concerns have been raised over Eville & Jones - Vorenta merger

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has flagged concerns following an investigation into Eville & Jones’ acquisition of Vorenta, which includes HallMark Veterinary and Compliance Services, and Meat and Livestock Commercial Services Ltd (MLCSL).

Eville & Jones and Vorenta are leading providers of specialised veterinary services that support the UK food supply chain. They both perform essential inspections on behalf of public bodies as well as for private companies to ensure animal products being imported and exported to and produced in the UK meet food safety standards.

Following an investigation, the CMA has identified competition concerns in the supply of meat hygiene inspectors in England and Wales, which are an essential requirement for abattoirs and other meat facilities to operate. The authority has also raised concerns in relation to the supply of export health certificates.

According to the CMA, the combined businesses would equate for a significant proportion of these specialised vet services across England, Wales and Scotland. This could lead to a reduction in competition, higher costs for food businesses and lower quality in the provision of these services.

“The veterinary services supplied by the merging parties are important in ensuring the animal products sold in the UK are safe for human consumption and animal welfare standards are met,” ​said Sorcha O’Carroll, CMA senior director of mergers.

“Losing the competition that takes place between Eville & Jones and Vorenta could result in food businesses and public bodies paying higher prices for inspections. Well run inspections ensure consumers have access to safe and affordable food products and that exporters can sell animal products without delays.”​

Eville & Jones have been given several days to offer legally binding proposals to the CMA to address the competition concerns highlighted. The CMA will then consider whether these address its concerns, or if the case should be referred to a Phase 2 investigation.