Vitalbix joins Equine Care Group / Bencis

Yuno Advisors has advised the owner of Dutch-based Feral Horse Care, which operates with horse feed brand Vitalbix and specialises in the development and distribution of high-quality healthy horse feed, its becoming part of the Belgium-based Equine Care Group (ECG), an international group of equine clinics, laboratories and specialist equine nutrition and supplement companies.

Feral Horse Care (FHC), based in Heerhugowaard, was founded in 2014 by Simone Pottegieter. Initially, the company focused on introducing new skin care products for horses under the label “Skincalmin”, but it soon became clear that skin problems were often the result of incorrect nutrition. The idea of healthy nutrition for horses on a natural basis was born and was introduced under the label Vitalbix (www.vitalbix.com). The company focuses on concentrated feed that is 100% natural, rich in fibre and nutrients and low in sugars and starch. FHC now counts around 200 specialty shops among its B2B customers in both the Netherlands and Belgium, and also has its own webshop. The Vitalbix nutrition specialists provide targeted nutritional advice for individual horses or a sports stable or riding school. Vitalbix’s product range includes complete feed, supplements and treats for horses.

The Equine Care Group (ECG) is an international group of veterinarians founded in February 2021 on the initiative of Tom Mariën (founder of equine clinic Equitom), Frederik Bruyninx (top sports vet and vet of the Belgian jumping team) and Bencis Capital Partners (investment fund). Meanwhile, ECG (www.equinecaregroup.com) has grown into a leading international player in equine healthcare, with clients in more than 70 countries. The group consists of four divisions: ECG Clinics (high-quality equine clinics), ECG Ambulatory Care (veterinary practices focused on specialised equine care), ECG Nutrition and Supplements (high-quality equine nutrition and supplements) and ECG Labs (veterinary analytics). ECG’s vision is to become the European leader in equine care in a broad sense and always focusing on the quality of medical care and service.

ECG is very active in the further expansion of its group, and FHC, with its quality focus, fits perfectly within the group’s philosophy. Under the wings of ECG, the focus will be on the strength of the combination with a strong focus on research & product development, customer service, knowledge sharing and optimal healthcare.

Yuno Advisors acted as exclusive advisor and assisted the founder of Feral Horse Care throughout the process.

Click here for Equine Care Group’s original press release (in Dutch).