NHD, Inc. and Veterinary Centers of America ("VCA", NASDAQ symbol VCAI) today announced an agreement effective February 1, 2000, wherein NHD will provide VCA's 200 veterinary hospitals with radiology supplies. The three-year agreement is expected to generate $1mm in new business for the Shareholder companies of NHD.
NHD, Inc. manages the national contract, marketing activities, and vendor relationships for 22 mega-regional distributors of medical imaging supplies, services, and equipment. The 22 companies that own NHD work together to provide seamless national coverage, while maintaining their status as independently owned and operated companies.
Veterinary Centers of America, Inc. is one of the nation's largest animal healthcare companies. The company has established a premier position in two core businesses, animal hospitals and veterinary diagnostic laboratories. VCA operates the largest nationwide network of freestanding, full-service animal hospitals and veterinary-exclusive laboratories. Over the past several years, the company has expanded its animal hospital network and veterinary diagnostic laboratory operations through acquisitions.
Veterinary Centers of America was founded in 1986 with the goal of becoming the leader in the veterinary services industry. From its first acquisition in 1987, West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group, to its merger with Pet's Rx and The Pet Practice in 1996, VCA has continued to grow by acquiring premier veterinary hospitals in cities across the nation. In 1996, VCA formed the largest veterinary diagnostic laboratory in the United States.
According to NHD President Steven Johnson, veterinary health care has achieved a new level of sophistication through VCA. "They are using MRI, CT, and Nuclear Medicine in the same way hospitals use these technologies. America is a nation of pet lovers, and many Americans demand the same level of care for their pets as they do for themselves. We are thrilled to be selected as a supplier to this progressive and successful company."
NHD and VCA have also announced plans to automate the supply requisition process for VCA's hospitals through NHD's unique on-line internet inventory management system called NHDnet™. "Our goal is to eliminate paper, reduce clerical time, and to improve productivity in our centers through strategic vendor relationships like this one," according to Dr. Stephen Fisher, D.V.M., Sr. Vice President of Business Development for VCA.
