Kent's Pennard Vets makes Priory Lodge acquisition

By Tom Kilkelly

6 July 2023

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Dr Dirk Brink and Dr Abby Pye

Employee-owned Kent Vet group Pennard Vets continues its expansion through its acquisition of fellow Kent practice Priory Lodge.

Pennard is an employee-ownership trust (EOT) that, according to the Vet Times, is believed to be the largest of its type in the world.

Priory Lodge, founded 70 years ago, has a team of 20 employees and more than 4,500 pets on its books. Current managers Dr Abby Pye and Dr Dirk Brink will stay on to lead the Tonbridge practice.

Dr Pye said: “We are very excited to join Pennard Vets and become part of the EOT. Based on Pembury Road for the past 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.”

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Pennard Vets secured a re-financing deal with Shawbrook Bank and was advised by Castle Corporate Finance. Rudlings Solicitors LLP provided legal advice over the course of the deal.

Priory Lodge Vets was advised by A4G LLP and CooperBurnett Solicitors LLP.

The finances for this acquisition are as of yet undisclosed.

Vet Matthew Flann, Pennard Vets, said: “We have always had a good relationship with Priory Lodge Vets, and when COVID hit, we started working more closely with them, assisting with OOH care, and we quickly found that our values were closely aligned between the teams.”

“Dirk brings additional surgical strengths to our team, which our clients will benefit from, and Abby is a talented medic, with great clinical skills as well as a strong interest in cardiology, that will also be of huge benefit to the group.

“Priory Lodge Vets becoming a part of our popular EOT structure felt right for everyone involved and we are delighted to welcome their experienced team to the group.”

By Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022.

During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan).

His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.