Profile: MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. (MWIV.O)

MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. (MWI), incorporated in 1980, is a distributor of animal health products to veterinarians across the United States. Products the Company sells include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, capital equipment, supplies, specialty products, veterinary pet food and nutritional products. The Company markets these products to veterinarians in both the companion animal and production animal markets. The Company also offers its customers a variety of value-added services, including e-commerce platform, pharmacy fulfillment, inventory management system, equipment procurement consultation, special order fulfillment, educational seminars and pet cremation. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 (fiscal 2009), the Company sold more than 30,000 products with over 15,000 stocked in its 12 distribution centers, including pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, capital equipment, supplies, veterinary pet food and nutritional products. In February 2010, the Company acquired Centaur Services Limited.

Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and Parasiticides

MWI offers its customers a variety of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and parasiticides. Its pharmaceutical products typically include anesthetics, analgesics, antibiotics, ophthalmics and hormones. The Company’s vaccine products are primarily consisted of small animal, equine and production animal biologicals. Its parasiticides are used for control of fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes and internal parasites.

Diagnostics, Capital Equipment and Supplies

MWI offers a range of diagnostics, capital equipment and supplies to veterinarians. Diagnostic sales typically include consumable in-clinic tests for detecting heartworm, lyme, feline leukemia and parvovirus, as well as consumable products for measuring blood chemistry, electrolyte balance and cell counts. The Company’s capital equipment sales include anesthesia machines, surgical monitors, diagnostic equipment, dental machines, cages, lights and x-ray machines. Its sales of supplies include syringes, instruments, bandages, intravenous (IV) products, surgical consumables, grooming materials and other small equipment items used by veterinary practices.

Veterinary Pet Food and Nutritional Products

MWI offers its customers a selection of veterinary pet foods and nutritional products. The Company considers veterinary pet food to consist of two categories: foods for specialty diets and premium pet foods. Specialty diets are recommended by veterinarians to address specific medical and nutritional needs. Premium pet foods are recommended by veterinarians to promote optimal nutrition in healthy animals. Pet foods are typically sold under agency agreements. Nutritional products include dietary supplements, vitamins, dental chews and specialty treats.

The Company competes with Animal Health International, Inc., Butler Animal Health Supply, Henry Schein, Inc., Lextron Animal Health, Inc., Professional Veterinary Products, Ltd. and Patterson Companies, Inc.