CVS has announced its acquisition of the Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, a general and referral practice based in Castle Donington near Derby.

The Dovecote offers a range of referral services including digital X-ray, MRI and CT scanning capability. Its directors, Andrew Robinson, a European RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, and Alison Robinson have been appointed joint Clinical Directors.

Dovecote joins ChesterGates Veterinary Specialists in Chester, Norfolk-based Grove Referrals and St David's Veterinary Group in Devon in CVS' referral practice portfolio. The Group also has a new veterinary hospital - Lumbry Park  Veterinary Specialists - under construction at Alton, Hampshire; opening in October 2015.

In addition to the Dovecote, CVS has announced the acquisition of further first opinion practices based in Yorkshire and Wales. They are:

• Crooks Vets:  A small animal practice with a main site in Rotherham and a branch surgery in Hackenthorpe, near Sheffield
• Marlborough Road Veterinary Clinics:  A small animal practice with a main site in Cardiff and two branch surgeries in the city
• Petherton Vets:  A small animal practice with a main site in Barry and a branch surgery in Cardiff

Simon Innes, Chief Executive of CVS, said:  "These latest acquisitions show continued progress towards our goal of building a strong presence throughout all sectors of veterinary practice. It is a particularly exciting time for our referral team and we are delighted to welcome the team from Dovecote, as well as the other new practices which have joined us recently."

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