FTC Intensifies Antitrust Review of Covetrus MWI Acquisition

The Federal Trade Commission is intensifying its antitrust investigation into a proposed $3.5 billion acquisition of MWI Animal Health by Covetrus Inc. To determine if the merger would stifle competition, the agency issued information requests last month to the competitors and customers of both companies.

The probe focuses on how the deal would affect the availability of veterinary products and the practice-management software that clinics rely on for prescriptions, patient records, and payments. The acquisition follows a February announcement by Cencora, the parent company of MWI Animal Health, that it would sell the unit as part of a strategic shift to divest non-core businesses and prioritize drug distribution.