Bridgepoint has agreed to become the majority shareholder of Altano Group, describing it as the world's largest group of equine clinics and practices. Existing investor Ufenau Capital Partners will exit its investment, while Altano founder Victor Baltus, senior management and veterinary leaders will stay invested alongside Bridgepoint. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Dülmen, Germany, Altano has brought together 110 equine clinics and ambulatory practices with a network of almost 1,000 veterinarians across Europe, North America and Oceania.

Services cover routine and emergency care, specialist referrals, advanced imaging, surgery, sports medicine and breeding. Bridgepoint and Altano plan to invest further in veterinarians, clinical excellence and specialist capabilities, and to extend Altano's international reach. Bridgepoint's other healthcare investments include Identicare, Safe Life and Prescient Healthcare Group.

The veterinary sector continues to attract private equity interest as pets live longer and develop complex diseases like cancer and diabetes, driving demand for specialty and emergency care. However, regulators in the UK have implemented reforms including price lists, prescription fee caps, and mandatory branding to boost competition and lower prices for consumers.