VCA to buy MediMedia's VetStreet, Brightheart Veterinary Centers

Los Angeles --

In a deal valued at $146 million, VCA is buying veterinary communications firm MediMedia Animal Health, which includes VetStreet.

The deal is expected to close in August or September, VCA reports in a prepared statement today.

MediMedia is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners V, L.P. and certain of its affiliates.

Bob Antin, chairman and CEO of VCA Antech, Inc., says, "We are excited about combining Vetstreet with our existing businesses. We believe that this combination will provide both companies with outstanding growth opportunities. Vetstreet has a history of strong year-over- year revenue growth including growth of approximately 72 percent from 2009 to 2010 as well as an estimated growth rate in excess of 50 percent from 2010 to 2011."

MediMedia revenues are anticipated to grow from $55 to $65 million in 2012.

Vetstreet’s portfolio includes:

-- VetInsite Analytics, which provides data and reports to pharmaceutical and nutritional companies that allow them to track marketshare. The company also directs marketing programs with veterinarians focused on product sales and increasing traffic to the animal hospital.

-- Vetstreet.com, a veterinarian-supported consumer portal, providing education, referral and e-commerce support for pet owners.

-- Vetstreet Pro, a bundle of communications services with a roster of 4,500 veterinary practices in the United States and Canada with practice websites, personalized and secured pet-owner portals, automated reminder cards, automated ID cards and practice analytics.

-- Vetlearn, which includes publications like Compendium, Veterinary Technician and a recently re-launched portal Vetlearn.com.

In another acquisition, VCA Antech is purchasing BrightHeart Veterinary Centers for $50 million. The company runs nine animal hospitals -- eight hospitals focused on specialty and emergency medicine and one general practice.When the acquisition is finalized, VCA Antech will have about 540 animal hospitals in 41 U.S. states and Canada, the company says.