The clinical team leading animal hospital Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue (FROST) has completed a management buyout of the Guildford-based facility from TV “Supervet” Professor Noel Fitzpatrick.
Professor Fitzpatrick previously owned 70% of the business. The buy-out has been led by clinical director Professor Nick Bacon and senior clinician Dr Laurent Findji, who between them already owned 30% of the business, together with Dr Jonathan Bray and Dr Gerard McLauchlan. Professor Bacon and Dr Findji are current directors of the hospital and they have led the clinical team since the launch of the facility in 2014. Dr Bray and Dr McLauchlan have also been a key part of the hospital’s growth since they joined the team in 2016 and 2017.
The FROST hospital is rebranding as AURA Veterinary and the clinical team now plans to take the hospital forward with the financial backing of a small team of external investors. New investment is planned for the team, equipment, scientific innovation and research in order to provide the best possible treatment for the animals under their care.
Professor Fitzpatrick will continue to lead Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology and Fitzpatrick Referrals Institute for the Restoration of Skeletal Tissue which are both based in Eashing, Surrey.
He said: “I am proud of everything and everyone who has been part of the journey over the last seven years. It is a world-class hospital with an unrivalled team and the foundation we have built together is incredible. The time is now right for the team to embark on the next part of their journey – allowing me to also go forward and focus my passion, energy and time at Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology and lead that team into its exciting new phase.
“I know Nick and Laurent and all the team will continue to drive forward the vision we started out with, to provide hope and solutions to animals and their families.”
Professor Bacon added: “It was a wonderful opportunity to be involved with a hospital like this from the very beginning, and it’s exciting to be part of its new chapter. Laurent and I are hugely grateful to Noel for his vision in creating the hospital, which is unparalleled in the level of care, skill and innovation our team can provide for our patients. We look forward to the growth and success of AURA Veterinary.”
