Bencis signs SPA to sell Equine Care Group to Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille SA.
Founded in 2021 by leading equine veterinarians Dr. Tom Mariën and Dr. Frederik Bruyninx, Equine Care Group (ECG) has rapidly grown into a pioneering force in interdisciplinary equine medicine. Treating over 50,000 horses annually and serving clients in more than 70 countries, ECG has redefined standards in equine healthcare. In 2024, the Belgian government recognized ECG as “Scale-up of the Year”, underscoring the group’s exceptional growth and industry leadership.
To support its ambitious global expansion, ECG is proud to announce a strategic partnership with CNP (Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille), an international private investment company with Belgian roots, controlled exclusively by the Frère family. This partnership will strengthen ECG’s position internationally while preserving its veterinarian-led model and reinforcing its mission of delivering world-class equine care.
Dr. Tom Mariën, CEO of ECG: “Since our inception, ECG has grown by uniting equine hospitals, ambulatory practices, labs, and nutritional specialists into one collaborative, mission-driven network. With CNP’s support, we are ready to accelerate our international growth and set a new global benchmark in equine veterinary care.”
Key Objectives of the Partnership:
Frederik Bruyninx, Co-founder ECG: “This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Together with CNP, we will strengthen ECG’s ecosystem and bring our veterinarian-led, collaborative approach to new markets worldwide.”
Since partnering with Bencis 4 years ago, ECG has successfully launched multiple clinics and acquired leading practices across Europe. With CNP joining the journey, the group is now poised to significantly expand its footprint in North America, South America, Australia, and the Middle East in the coming years.
Bencis, the founders and ECG were advised by Rothschild & Co, Allen & Overy Shearman, Argo, 8 Advisory and Bain & Company for this transaction.
CNP was advised by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, PWC and Bain & Company.
Robert Falk, Partner at Bencis: “Over the past four years, we’ve experienced a remarkable journey built on vision, passion, and close collaboration with Tom and the entire ECG team. We are delighted to welcome CNP on board. Their outstanding reputation, long-term vision, and proven track record make them the ideal partner for the next phase. Together, we’ll be able to accelerate ECG’s growth while staying true to our mission: empowering management teams to achieve their ambitious goals.”
Xavier Le Clef, CEO of CNP: “From the start, we have been impressed by ECG’s unique model and remarkable growth trajectory – driven by the vision, passion, and energy with which Tom, Frederik, and their teams are reshaping the equine healthcare sector and setting new standards of excellence in equine wellbeing. Together with the ECG team and Bencis, we look forward to further strengthening the group’s leadership positions in its core markets as well as supporting its continued global expansion”.
________________________________________
About Equine Care Group (ECG)
Equine Care Group is a leading international veterinary group founded by veterinarians, for veterinarians. The group brings together equine hospitals, ambulatory practices, diagnostic labs, reproductive centers, and nutrition brands under one collaborative, vet-led structure.
With a presence across Europe and active expansion into global markets, ECG aims to raise the standard of equine healthcare through innovation, education, and a strong network of best-in-class professionals — all united under one mission: delivering world-class veterinary care to horses and elevating the standards of equine healthcare globally.
Website: www.equinecaregroup.com
About CNP
Founded by late Mr. Albert Frère, the CNP group manages approximately €3Bn in net assets, invested through a diversified portfolio of global, sector-leading companies. Backed by a stable family shareholder base, the CNP group focuses on long-term value creation by actively supporting the management teams of the companies in which it holds majority or leading stakes.
Website: www.cnp.be
