Subsequent Events

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

13. Subsequent Events

     On July 10, 2011, we entered into a material definitive agreement with MediMedia USA, Inc. (“MediMedia”) to acquire all of the issued and outstanding membership interests in MediMedia Animal Health, LLC (“Vetstreet”) from MediMedia for $146 million in cash, subject to adjustment for working capital and Vetstreet indebtedness. Vetstreet is the nation’s largest provider of online communications, professional education and marketing solutions to the veterinary community. We plan to refinance our senior credit facility to include an incremental $100 million to finance a portion of this transaction. The acquisition is expected to close in August 2011. The acquisition of Vetstreet expands the breadth of our product offerings to the veterinary community and provides long-term synergies to our existing businesses.

     On July 11, 2011, we acquired BrightHeart Veterinary Centers (“BrightHeart”) for approximately $50 million in cash. BrightHeart operates nine animal hospitals, eight of which focus on the delivery of specialty and emergency medicine. The acquisition will increase our level of market recognition in areas where we have an existing market presence.