MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), the world’s largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners, today announced a 51 percent ownership investment in Tecnew, a leading distributor of animal health products in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The completion of this investment also marks Henry Schein’s entrance into the animal health distribution market in South America. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in one of Brazil’s largest companion animal markets, Tecnew is a privately held, entrepreneurial company with 2016 sales of approximately $24 million. The company was founded in 1998 by Nilva Lopes, who will retain a minority ownership position in Tecnew and continue as the company’s Managing Director. Tecnew has more than 130 team members and serves nearly 5,000 customers.

“We are delighted to enter the Brazilian animal health market in partnership with Tecnew,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “Tecnew is the ideal partner to unify our vision to expand our global animal health business to South America. We welcome our new colleagues and look forward to building on the strong reputation that Tecnew enjoys in Brazil, offering the products, services and solutions needed for customers to efficiently operate their business.”

With its investment in Tecnew, Henry Schein’s Global Animal Health Business now has operations or affiliates in 24 countries, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, China, Malaysia and 17 countries in Europe. The company supports animal health practitioners through the distribution of biologicals, pharmaceuticals, supplies and equipment and by actively engaging in the development, sale and distribution of veterinary practice management software.

“We are very pleased to be working with Henry Schein, a global leader in animal health,” said Ms. Lopes. “As part of the Henry Schein family and with our combined resources, we look forward to working together to expand our market and fulfill our commitment to set the standard for excellence in the veterinary community.”