Merck Animal Health acquires Vence

Merck Animal Health has signed a definitive agreement detailing to acquire Vence, a privately held company specializing in virtual fencing for rotational grazing and livestock management, from its founders and shareholders.

According to a company release,¹ the acquisition is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“The acquisition of Vence will broaden our portfolio with complementary products and technologies to advance animal health and well-being as well as outcomes for our customers,” expressed Rick DeLuca, president, Merck Animal Health, in the release.

“Vence is a natural fit with Merck Animal Health’s growing portfolio of animal intelligence products that include identification, traceability and monitoring products. This new technology will give cow-calf producers the ability to track their cattle and the ability to move them from pasture to pasture,” he added.

Vence delivers advanced technology for producers and ranchers to track, monitor, and manage cattle movement via a high-tech platform of virtual fencing solutions to promote rotational grazing. Vence’s virtual fencing technology can decrease the need for fencing to subdivide pastures. It also enables producers and ranchers to manage their cattle and grass inventory, while reducing costs of labor and fencing materials.

“I believe that Merck Animal Health is the best long-term home for this technology and our team. Their unparalleled expertise in the livestock space, ability to develop and scale hardware products, high-quality customer support, and a strong global footprint to expand Vence’s market reach make us really excited to join Merck Animal Health,” said Frank Wooten, founder and CEO, Vence.

Currently, Vence technology is available in the US and parts of Australia.

Reference

Merck Animal Health to acquire Vence. News release. Merck Animal Health. September 22, 2022. Accessed September 23, 2022. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220922005501/en