90 LAWYER MONTHLY AUGUST 2023 Priory Lodge Vets Joins Pennard Vets About the Deal CooperBurnett Solicitors LLP advised Tonbridge-based Priory Lodge Vets on its joining with employee-owned veterinary group Pennard Vets. A4G LLP also advised Priory Lodge Vets, while Pennard Vets was advised by Castle Corporate Finance in relation to securing a refinancing deal with Shawbrook Bank as part of the acquisition process. Priory Lodge Vets was established more than 70 years ago, and today boasts a dedicated team of 20 employees who care for more than 4,500 pets. Veterinary surgeons Dr Abby Pye and Dr Dirk Brink, former owners of Priory Lodge Vets, will continue to lead the practice in the wake of the acquisition. Founded in 1895 and transferred into employee ownership in 2021, Pennard Vets operates seven veterinary practices across Kent in Allington, Borough Green, Langley Park, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and West Malling. It is also the first veterinary practice in Europe to become B-Corp certified. “We are very excited to join Pennard Vets and become part of the employee-ownership trust (EOT),” said Dr Abby Pye. “Based on Pembury Road for the last 44 years, we have evolved and grown over the years, but the one thing that has always remained consistent is our commitment to putting the welfare of our clients’ pets first. All the familiar and friendly faces our clients know and love will remain the same, but the partnership with Pennard Vets will also allow us to expand our range of services to our valued clients.” Victoria Sampson E: vls@cooperburnett.com T: 01892 515022 www.cooperburnett.com Transaction Interview Advisors on the transaction:
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