Bridgepoint’s strategic move to expand Altano Group’s global footprint highlights growing private equity interest in specialist animal health

Bridgepoint has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Altano, the international network of specialist equine veterinary clinics and practices, from Ufenau Capital Partners. The transaction gives Altano new backing for further international expansion, with the group already employing almost 1,000 veterinarians across Europe, North America and Oceania.

Bridgepoint is buying control of Altano Group, the German-headquartered equine veterinary network that says it is the world’s largest of its kind, in a deal that will see Swiss investor Ufenau Capital Partners exit. The transaction underscores continued private equity appetite for specialist animal health businesses with fragmented markets, recurring demand and scope for cross-border consolidation.

Altano, founded in 2017 in Dülmen, operates 110 clinics and ambulatory practices across Europe, North America and Oceania, with almost 1,000 veterinarians providing everything from emergency care and referrals to imaging, surgery, sports medicine and breeding services. Financial terms were not disclosed, though Handelsblatt reported that market sources value the business at about €600m.

Bridgepoint said it intends to back further investment in veterinary talent, clinical standards and specialist capabilities while widening Altano’s international footprint. Boris Zjacic, formerly chief operating officer at kidney care provider Diaverum and chief executive of eye-care group Artemis, will take over as group chief executive. Altano founder Victor Baltus will become president, focusing on clinical strategy, and will remain invested alongside senior management and veterinary leaders.

The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Kirkland & Ellis advised Bridgepoint, which already owns stakes in pet identification business Identicare, defibrillator distributor Safe Life and pharmaceutical advisory group Prescient Healthcare Group.