BEST PRACTICES
Unlocking Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Selling Your Veterinary Practice to a VSO typography

By Eric White & Virgil Ochoa

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elling your veterinary practice is a significant milestone, marking the transition to a new chapter in your career. If you’re considering selling to a Veterinary Services Organization (VSO), sometimes called consolidators or corporate owners, careful planning and strategic decision-making are essential. The following serves as a comprehensive guide to assist veterinary practitioners looking to sell their practice to a VSO partner.

illustration of hand holding pen above a notebook with other writing tools and glasses scattered on a blue surface
Unlocking Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Selling Your Veterinary Practice to a VSO typography

By Eric White & Virgil Ochoa

S

elling your veterinary practice is a significant milestone, marking the transition to a new chapter in your career. If you’re considering selling to a Veterinary Services Organization (VSO), sometimes called consolidators or corporate owners, careful planning and strategic decision-making are essential. The following serves as a comprehensive guide to assist veterinary practitioners looking to sell their practice to a VSO partner.

Determining Your Purchase Price
Valuing your veterinary practice accurately is crucial for a successful sale. Consider factors such as client base, client demographics, revenue, profitability, location, equipment and reputation. Consulting with professionals experienced in veterinary practice valuation can help ensure you receive a fair and competitive price.
Choosing Your Buyer
Selecting the right VSO partner is vital for a smooth transition and the preservation of your practice’s legacy. Look for a VSO with a strong reputation, a commitment to exceptional patient care and a compatible practice culture. Evaluate how their values and operational approach align with your own.
Structuring Your Deal
The structure of your deal will have significant implications for the outcome of the sale. Work closely with legal and financial advisors to explore different transaction structures, such as asset sales, equity rollovers or mergers, taking time to consider your financial goals, tax implications and long-term objectives.
Protecting Your Purchase Price During Due Diligence
Prepare your practice for the due diligence process by ensuring meticulous record-keeping and transparency. Be ready to provide documentation regarding financial performance, client demographics, regulatory compliance and operational procedures. Address any potential concerns proactively to protect your purchase price.
Mitigating Your Purchase Agreement Risk
Crafting a solid purchase agreement is crucial for protecting your interests and minimizing post-sale disputes. Negotiate terms related to post-closing price adjustments, indemnification provisions, non-compete agreements, and transition assistance to ensure a smooth change of ownership and to protect your investment.
Equity Participation for Associate Veterinarians and Staff
Consider how the sale will impact your associate veterinarians and staff members who may have equity or employment agreements with your practice. Communicate openly about the transition and explore opportunities for them to participate in the new ownership structure, fostering continuity and commitment during the transition.
Getting to Closing
As the closing date approaches, collaborate closely with your advisors and the VSO’s representatives to ensure all necessary documentation is in order and any outstanding issues are resolved. Maintain open communication to facilitate a smooth closing process and transition of ownership.
Enlisting Legal Assistance
From structuring the deal and negotiating favorable terms to navigating regulatory compliance and facilitating a smooth transition, it will be in your best interest to seek counsel with a deep understanding of the veterinary industry landscape and regulatory environment in order to guarantee that you have a seamless legal transaction. Choosing the right legal partner will ensure that you can confidently navigate the complexities of selling your veterinary practice and unlock a new chapter of success.

Selling your veterinary practice to a VSO presents an opportunity for growth and expansion. By leveraging the expertise and support of experienced advisors and aligning with a reputable VSO partner, you can navigate the process with confidence and secure a bright future for your practice and your patients.

Eric White headshot
Virgil Ochoa headshot
Eric White and Virgil Ochoa are members of Dykema, a law firm providing a full array of services to veterinarians and veterinary service organizations. Dykema has decades of experience in working with managed service organizations and are skilled at addressing questions regarding the VSO model. Whether it is through continued ownership, selling your practice, setting up a VSO, affiliating with a practice or exploring growth opportunities, they are uniquely qualified to assist with deal negotiations to help them go as smoothly as possible. www.dykema.com