Global veterinary pharmaceutical company Virbac has acquired a majority stake in Centrovet, the leader of the animal health market in Chile. This transaction will make Virbac  a key player in products used for protection and treatment in aquaculture breeding. 

According to this agreement, VIRBAC has purchased 51% of the shares of the CentrovetT Group from its shareholders and will have the option to acquire the remaining capital stock at the end of a five year period. The transaction is effective as of the date of signing.

Founded in 1979, Centrovet has become a major player in aquaculture health, with products for cold water aquaculture, in particular in the field of salmon and trout vaccines, where Chile is currently a major producer. In addition to injectable vaccines, the company has developed and introduced to the aquaculture market proprietary oral delivery technologies for vaccines, in which it is currently the only player in the market. Centovet markets a wide range of specialty products and vaccines in Chile, and is investing in a Research and Development program which includes a pipeline of high potential projects. The company is also present in the other segments of the Chilean animal health market, food producing animals and companion animals, where its local product offering will benefit from the addition of some Virbac ranges.

In addition to the growth potential of the Chilean market itself, the worldwide Virbac commercial network will be a significant opportunity for international growth of Centrovet’s products, in particular vaccines for the aquaculture industry worldwide.

Centrovet is based in Santiago, Chile and employs around 300 people. Its industrial facilities manufacture a broad range of injectable and oral vaccines, pharmaceutical specialty products and nutritional additives.