July 31, 2020

Berkshire Partners Acquire VetStrategy

Goodmans LLP represented Berkshire Partners LLC (“Berkshire”) in its July 31, 2020 acquisition of a majority stake in VetStrategy from Imperial Capital with a deal value of over US$1 billion. This deal allowed VetStrategy to further invest in their network of clinics across Canada and provide the flexibility to continue to grow through acquisitions in the coming years.

VetStrategy is Canada’s leading and largest operator of veterinary clinics. Berkshire is an investment firm with a long history of partnering with Canadian companies. This investment is the largest in a series of financings that have backed VetStrategy’s growth since 2013.

The deal was signed and fully diligenced in five days. The deal closed in one month. The fastest time ever from bid to close by both Berkshire and by Imperial.

Clients note, "They have a good team of very experienced lawyers who know the process, " adding, "They have a good bench strength." — Chambers Canada
Clients note, "They get our business and what we're trying to accomplish. It's not just technical advice." — Chambers Canada
One interviewee reported, "The Goodmans team as a whole is excellent," adding: "The lawyers are very responsive and get the job done. It is of great assurance to have them as our legal advisers." — Chambers Canada
One client noted, "...they handled a very complicated transaction involving many jurisdictions and did a very good job. They are always able to make comparative decisions through a relatively simple way and try to balance risk and find solutions." — Chambers Canada
Clients note, "The client service at Goodmans has always been excellent, and they are very deep from a corporate and financing perspective." — Chambers Global
Interviewees praise the firm's work on cross-border matters, saying: "The team's coordination is superb, its work ethic unparalleled and the service excellent." — Chambers Global
One client noted, "very strong legal minds, focus in on the business issues...good communicators, include my internal team as much or as little as we may want on a particular project." — IFLR1000
....punches above its weight for big-ticket M&A in Canada, recently advising on substantial transactions in mining, energy, technology and cannabis sectors. — Chambers Global
Clients commend Goodmans for being, "very entrepreneurial in their culture, in addition to being able to provide sophisticated and excellent legal assistance." — Chambers Canada

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