CVC Credit is pleased to announce that it has provided debt facilities to support the acquisitive growth strategy of Altano Gruppe (“Altano”), a leading network of equine veterinary clinics and practices across Europe. CVC Credit will support the continuing growth strategy of the business through its European Direct Lending Strategy, which focuses on lending to established European medium and large companies with proven business models.

Headquartered in Germany, Altano is the leading consolidator and operator of equine veterinary clinics services with over 350 vets based across 40 locations in six European countries, including Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, and Denmark. The company provides a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services to more than 100,000 customers per year, including routine services, internal medicines and orthopaedics.

David Deregowski, Director in the Private Credit team at CVC Credit, added: “Over the past five years this business has developed into one of the leading providers of equine veterinary services in Europe, with an expansive network and fantastic team. We are impressed by their track record of organic and acquisition-led growth and are pleased to support its experienced management team as they look to scale the company further.”

Andrew Davies, Partner and Co-Head of Private Credit at CVC Credit, said: “Our ability to draw on the local presence and sector specialisms of CVC’s European office network and sector teams is a true differentiator. In this case the experience of CVC Germany and CVC’s Healthcare team were invaluable in swiftly conducting diligence, pricing and winning this opportunity.”

Dr. Victor Baltus, Managing Director of Altano Gruppe, said: “We are happy to have completed the refinancing of the business and secured financing to continue to execute our acquisition growth strategy. This strong foundation and the support of Ufenau Capital Partners and CVC Credit will allow us to progress with our next phase of development.”

Kevin Elsaesser, Investment Manager at Ufenau Capital Partners commented: “We are pleased and excited to bring CVC Credit onboard. Their understanding of the market dynamics and Altano’s operating model was impressive. Together with their experience in supporting growth strategies of similar business, we are convinced that they will have a key role in the business’s international expansion.”