Improve International acquired by Benchmark Holdings
Improve is the provider of official veterinarian training for England, Scotland and Wales.
Benchmark Holdings Plc has acquired 100 per cent of CPD company Improve International, it was announced this week.
Swindon-based Improve was established in 1998 by a group of veterinary surgeons. It offers CPD courses for veterinary professionals in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Scandinavia and mainland Europe.
Last year, the company was also awarded a contract by the AHVLA (now APHA) to provide official veterinarian training and revalidation services in England, Scotland and Wales for a three-year period. This is carried out in partnership with Harper Adams University and the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies.
Benchmark believes there is significant scope for developing the courses online through its Technical Publishing division, which provides global knowledge transfer, technical insight, e-learning and market analysis for the food supply chain, agriculture and aquaculture sectors.
Improve's directors David Babington, Heber Alves and Rui Lobao will remain in the company.
Commenting on the acquisition, Benchmark's chief executive Malcolm Pye, said: "The acquisition of Improve will enable us to combine our digital and distance learning expertise with Improve’s veterinary content across Europe, enhancing our ability to serve the professionals in our key veterinary markets.
"This is a significant step forward for our Technical Publishing division in both of the food and companion animal markets. We plan to take Improve’s successful, face-to-face courses and deliver content digitally on an international basis."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
