The Finnish veterinary market has changed dramatically over the past decade. Two foreign-owned chains — Evidensia and Vireä — now control 50–70% of the market. Eläinklinikka Saari is the only private small animal clinic in Vaasa, and we want to explain why that matters.
Chains in Finland
Evidensia is part of the IVC Evidensia group, controlled by Swedish private equity firm EQT, American Silver Lake and other investors. The group is valued at approximately €12.3 billion. In Finland, Evidensia operates about 50 clinics with 40–50% market share. Vireä (formerly Univet) belongs to the Danish Vetopia group, owned by Danish private equity firm Axcel. Vireä has about 15 clinics in Finland. Additionally, 11 of Finland's 13 emergency animal hospitals are owned by Evidensia.
Impact on Prices
According to a study published by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) in November 2024, Evidensia raised its prices by 28% between 2021 and 2024 — 15 percentage points above the industry average. Household spending on veterinary care has doubled in ten years. According to KKV, independent clinics are consistently more affordable than chain clinics.
What Does Chain Ownership Mean for Care?
When investment firms own clinics, the goal is profit — not animal welfare. Veterinarians are expected to see more patients per shift and revenue targets influence treatment decisions. According to YLE's investigation, chain prices rose 2–4 times per year, but staff salaries did not increase for three years. Staff are afraid to speak up because in many regions there is no alternative employer.
International Examples
In the UK, veterinary market consolidation happened earlier. Independent clinics dropped from 83% to 45% in eight years, and prices rose 63%. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that chain clinics charge on average 16.6% more than independents. In Sweden, Evidensia raised prices 15% per year — independents only 6%.
Eläinklinikka Saari — A Conscious Choice
We have received multiple offers from chains wanting to buy our clinic. We have chosen to remain independent. For us this means that treatment decisions are always made by the veterinarian — not an investment firm. Our prices are based on actual costs, not corporate revenue targets. The same vet cares for your pet throughout its life. Our revenue stays in Vaasa. When you choose an independent clinic, you also support Finnish entrepreneurship and competition in a market that is concentrating into fewer and fewer hands.