Coalition Sues to Block Covetrus-MWI Veterinary Merger
New York and 12 other states join the FTC in seeking to stop Covetrus from acquiring MWI Veterinary Supply.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine
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New York Attorney General Letitia James joined the Federal Trade Commission and 12 other states in a lawsuit filed November 13, 2026, seeking to block Covetrus from acquiring MWI Veterinary Supply. A temporary restraining order currently prevents the companies from completing the deal before December 4, 2026.
Why it matters
Covetrus and MWI are two of the country's three largest veterinary clinic distributors, and the coalition argues the combination would reduce competition and could raise costs for pet owners. The outcome could shape pricing and supply options for veterinary clinics nationwide.
The lawsuit alleges the transaction would violate the FTC Act and the Clayton Act, with the acquisition giving Covetrus control of more than half of relevant distribution markets. Corporate veterinary groups buy 65% to 90% of supplies from one distributor, and the court's final ruling on the merger has not yet been issued.
The players
Letitia James
New York Attorney General who joined the federal and multistate challenge to the Covetrus acquisition of MWI Veterinary Supply.
Federal Trade Commission
The independent U.S. federal agency responsible for consumer protection and antitrust enforcement, which brought the lawsuit against the merger.
Covetrus
A major animal health company and one of the three largest U.S. distributors of veterinary supplies to clinics.
MWI Veterinary Supply
A veterinary distribution company and one of the three largest suppliers to veterinary clinics in the country.
The details
The coalition alleges the deal would reduce competition between the two distributors, which compete on pricing, rebates, and incentives. Joining New York and the FTC are the attorneys general of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, and Texas.
Timeline
November 13, 2026: New York and 12 other states join the FTC lawsuit against the acquisition.
December 4, 2026: The temporary restraining order preventing completion of the acquisition expires.
Industry Dynamics
The challenge applies the Clayton Act's merger-review standard to a consolidating veterinary distribution sector, where only three large distributors serve clinics nationwide. The case tests whether regulators will block a horizontal combination of two of those three firms.
Pet owners may see veterinary costs affected if the merger proceeds, since the coalition argues the deal would let a single distributor raise prices charged to clinics. Clinic owners and pet owners should watch for any change in supply pricing if the restraining order lapses without an injunction.
The takeaway
The case shows how antitrust enforcers are scrutinizing consolidation in essential animal health supply chains, where a handful of distributors control most purchasing. Readers should follow the December 4, 2026 deadline to see whether the merger is blocked or allowed to proceed.
What happens next
A court hearing on the coalition's request for a preliminary injunction is expected before the temporary restraining order expires on December 4, 2026.
Further reading
For broader context on animal health industry practices, see Veterinary Medicine.
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