Invetus acquires business and research operations of Estendart
/Invetus Pty Ltd expands its Australasian operations with the acquisition of Estendart Limited.
Invetus NZ (Invetus), a fully owned subsidiary of Australian-based Invetus Pty Limited, is acquiring the business operations of Estendart Limited (Estendart), effective 1 October 2018.
This acquisition will allow Invetus to operate more effectively in NZ, utilising the excellent staff, facilities and reputation of Estendart.
Invetus will operate primarily from the Estendart facilities in Palmerston North, on the campus of Massey University. There have been animal research facilities there for more than 30 years, with ongoing access to the expertise and research facilities of the university. The site will be known as the Estendart Research Centre (ERC). Additionally, Invetus will continue to use the purpose-built research farm (Jennersmead) at Bunnythorpe.
Current staff includes veterinarians and scientists, as well as specialised QA, Archivist and technical support staff. Dr Alan Alexander, the founder and former owner of Estendart, has agreed to continue in his role as General Manager until a suitable replacement is found. After that, Invetus has asked Dr Alexander to continue in a business development role, as well as to lead the Advisory Board.
Estendart has conducted a range of studies over many years, with a broad swathe of clients in the life sciences sector, who have repeatedly placed work with Estendart. Generally, these have been to generate reports for regulatory submissions around the globe. GLP compliance has been maintained for over 20 years, and this will continue with Invetus, which is also GLP accredited. Additionally, Estendart is certified as a GMP compliant manufacturer, and as an approved transitional facility.
Dr Alan Alexander (L) and Dr Maurice Webster (R) at the Estendart Research Centre offices in Palmerston North
Dr Alexander commented: “I have spent many years in research and clinical roles in several countries. I am proud of the achievements at Estendart and especially the staff that have made these possible. I am delighted that Invetus will continue the research tradition on this site, and I look forward to contributing to that.”
Invetus will continue to offer outstanding research services to Estendart clients past and present, and looks forward to ongoing contributions to animal and human health.
Invetus plans to continue the successful delivery of research projects to clients, and hopes to expand this with the broader range of resources available from Invetus. Clients can be assured that Invetus takes the same approach to confidentiality, QA, staff competence, and respectful professional relationships as Estendart. We enjoy partnering with our clients to deliver what they need for their business. Being part of a larger business will allow the Estendart Research Centre to work with other parts of the organisation if needed.
The Invetus charter states that:
We deliver independent, considered and authoritative answers for our partners by developing and applying best practice methodology. Happy, healthy and productive animals enrich us and our environment. Invetus provides the evidence.
This is entirely aligned with Estendart, and Dr Maurice Webster, Managing Director of Invetus, commented that “the strong alignment of Values and Research practice between Invetus and Estendart was a key factor in considering this acquisition, and will contribute to the strength of the new larger business.
In the short term, very little will change from a client perspective; longer term, there may be some adjustments to business or research processes as we integrate the two entities.
‘Estendart’ is an old French term that means “raising the standard,” and we are confident that ERC will continue to raise the standard of research both in NZ and in Australia.”
The contact number at ERC remains unchanged, and email addresses will continue to operate, although will be replaced in due course.
For more information please contact:
