Published in the January 18 – January 31, 2017 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Mars, Inc. buys VCA Inc for $9.1B

Mars, Incorporated and VCA Inc. have entered an agreement under which Mars will buy the outstanding shares of VCA for $93 per share, or a total of about $9.1 billion including $1.4 billion in outstanding debt. The agreement was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

“VCA is a leader across pet health care and the opportunity we see together — for pets, pet owners, veterinarians and other pet care providers — is tremendous,” Mars CEO Grant Reid said.

Since its founding in 1986, VCA has grown from one facility in Los Angeles to nearly 800 animal hospitals with 60 diagnostic laboratories throughout the United States and Canada, including one in San Martin. Through organic growth and a series of acquisitions, VCA has become one of the largest and most diverse pet healthcare companies.

“Joining the Mars family of brands provides significant value to our stockholders while also preserving the company’s values and a culture focused on investing in our people and facilities to promote excellence in pet care and long-term growth,” said VCA Chief Executive Officer Bob Antin.

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EIR underway for Cordoba Center

The Environmental Impact Report for the San Martin Cordoba Center Islamic mosque is underway, and community members can submit comments on the “scope and content” to county planners.

The South Valley Islamic Community project will be located on a 16-acre parcel near on Monterey Road near California Avenue in San Martin. When finished, it would consist of a 9,000-square-foot mosque; a 14,500-square-foot multipurpose building; a cemetery; campground; and ancillary structures.

The center has generated controversy from South County residents who fear it will be larger than existing commercial or religious uses in the rural town.

The purpose of an EIR is to analyze impacts to groundwater, traffic, wildlife, air quality, noise and other categories. Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. Jan. 23 and can be sent, emailed or phoned to County of Santa Clara County Department of Planning and Development, Attention: Jim Reilly, County Government Center, 70 West Hedding St., San Jose, CA 95110; email [email protected] or call (408) 299-5799.

– By Staff Reports