Veterinary Chain Owned by JAB Holdings Must Face Antitrust Suit

National Veterinary Associates Inc., an animal health chain owned by German consumer goods giant JAB Holding Co., must face antitrust claims over its alleged scheme to corner a regional veterinary market by acquiring an animal hospital in Spokane, Wash., a federal judge ruled.

Judge Stanley A. Bastian let the case move forward with allegations that NVA tried to monopolize emergency veterinary services in eastern Washington and nearby Idaho through noncompetes and referral agreements tied to its purchase of Pet Emergency Clinic PS, which is also named as a defendant.

The lawsuit “sufficiently alleged a relevant market” covering a 25-mile radius ...