Zoetis brings animal health focus

Zoetis brings animal health focus

The New Zealand head of the world’s newest standalone animal health business, Patrick Dorahy, is enthusiastic about what it means for farmers, vets and pet owners.

Zoetis, previously known as Pfizer Animal Health, became a reality when 20% of the Animal Health business was floated on the New York Stock Exchange by its parent Pfizer.

“The creation of Zoetis marks a milestone, in the animal health industry as well as for the company. Public listing of the largest animal health company is a very strong indicator of our faith in the sector. As a standalone animal health company, we now have a clear focus for our efforts, that is to offer solutions to the animal health sector, across a range of products and services,” said Patrick Dorahy, Zoetis General Manager for New Zealand.

That faith is shared by a market that valued the 86 million shares on the day of the float at US$31 up from the listing price of US$26, making it the single biggest US company offering since Facebook.

The new name Zoetis originates from the Greek word “zo”, signifying the bond between human and animal, and the phrase “zoetic” meaning “pertaining to life.”

The name Zoetis aims to capture the focus on animals, both companion and livestock, and the needs of the people charged with their care.

While the name Zoetis is new, Patrick Dorahy emphasises the company retains the people, and investments in research, development, and innovation that Pfizer Animal Health was known for.

Zoetis retains the global reach with presence in 120 countries, manufacturing sites in 25 locations, and over 9500 people supplying product, supporting customers and developing new technologies. But most importantly the company retains a strong local presence in New Zealand, a country where agriculture is integral to the economy, and the care of animals and pets is second nature.

“Our goal is to improve herd productivity and pet wellness. We do this by working with customers to better understand their needs and find solutions to those needs through local innovation and the assistance of global expertise”

Patrick Dorahy says New Zealand has been at the leading edge of innovation in product design and in services that are provided to customers that complement our pharmaceuticals.

“The dairy business is significant and we have been fortunate to work with leading researchers who have developed label extensions and programs tailor made for the dairy situation here.

In 2008 the portfolio was diversified with the acquisition of Catapult genetics and with further investment through Ovita and Agresearch a suite of DNA tests have been developed and marketed globally.

Bopriva was developed specifically for the New Zealand bull beef farmers with a vaccine to increase bull productivity and simplify management. New Zealand was the first country to launch Startect, a new combination drench the latest option in the face of sheep drench resistance.

Over the last five years the pet owners of New Zealand have benefited from the launch of four significant new drugs in diverse areas such as skin infections, arthritis, vomiting and cancer.”

Veterinarians have also benefitted from the development of Zoetis information platforms, Infovet is a unique data gathering tool that assists farmers and dairy vets better manage herd health. Dorahy said over the past year significant effort had gone into splitting of company systems and operations from the Pfizer business to ensure a seamless transition to Zoetis.

“As we launch Zoetis we hope our customers see a retention of the things we believe we do well, delivery of quality products and educational packages supported by high calibre people. We also believe we can do more, with a complete focus on animal health we aim to work even more closely with our customers to understand their needs and deliver on the essential future requirements’

Zoetis – Questions and Answers
• Does Pfizer retain any interest in Zoetis?
Yes, 80%.

• Is Zoetis only floated on the New York Stock Exchange?
Yes, on February 1, 2013.

• Will there be any changes in management and structure here in New Zealand now Zoetis is official?
No. We have spent the past 12 months positioning the company for this occasion, readying the old Pfizer Animal Health business to stand apart from the human health business. We have recruited and trained any additional staff to ensure our customers enjoy a seamless transition to the new identity.

• Are there any changes proposed in the New Zealand market?
We are retaining the extensive range of animal health products and services , with a proven record for quality and effectiveness. Having a sole focus as an animal health company means we are in a position to build on this solid portfolio, across our information, product and genetic divisions.

ENDS

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