Identicare on track to expand pet identity and protection services

• Identicare, founded in 1989, is the UK’s oldest and a leading pet microchipping and keeper registration services provider.
• The business was looking to boost its growth plan, including some strategic acquisitions.
• Introduced to Shawbrook through an established relationship, Shawbrook structured a bespoke Unitranche facility to support Identicare with its growth objectives.

A leading UK microchipping and pet registration database, Identicare, is set to boost its services and acquisitive activity, having secured a funding solution from Shawbrook.

Identicare is a UK-based business specialising in pet microchipping and keeper registration services. Founded in 1989 and based in York, the company benefits from a long and rich history as the longest-established pet microchipper in the UK, operating a leading microchipping and pet registration database with more than four million registered pets. 

Following its separation from Animalcare Ltd in March 2021 and driven by the appointment of Robert Diamond CEO, Identicare has transformed its business model from selling pet microchips and registry services to offering innovative, subscription-based solutions. Today, it stands at the forefront of the pet identity and protection industry, driving growth and redefining standards for pet owners.

Identicare’s continued growth in microchipping, registration services, and real-time support for pet owners is being further fuelled by external investment from Shawbrook and in October this funding enabled Identicare to acquire Pet Microchip Services.  

Identicare was looking for a lender to support its ongoing growth plans and strategic acquisitions. Shawbrook structured a lending solution that combined a Committed Acquisition, RCF, and Unitranche facility to support Identicare with the next stage of their growth plans.

James Salmon, Senior Director at Shawbrook said, 

“We are pleased to have supported Identicare with a financing package that advances its strategic growth, including both organic expansion and targeted acquisitions. Robert and his team have worked wonders evolving the business model for the modern pet keeper and present a clear plan to develop the offering further. It has been a pleasure working with the Identicare team and their equity partner, whose expertise will be critical to the company’s ongoing success in the pet identity and protection market."

Travers Smith acted as legal counsel for Shawbrook on the transaction. KPMG conducted the financial due diligence, CIL conducted the commercial due diligence, and Taylor Wessing conducted the legal due diligence.