Raccoon Media Group has announced the formation of a new Animal Health Division as part of its growing portfolio. This division will oversee the company’s well-established National Equine Show and two new acquisitions – PATS and BETA International.
Heading the new Animal Health Division is Nicole Cooper (right), who joins Raccoon Media Group as CEO, Animal Health Division. With 30 years’ experience in the Events sector, Nicole brings with her a deep understanding of strategic growth, industry trends, and operational excellence, along with a proven track record of delivering successful, high-impact events that engage and inspire passion-led communities.
Raccoon Media Group announced the acquisition of PATS (Pets & Aquatics Trade Show) today. Launched in 2009, PATS is the UK’s trade Show for the pets and aquatics trade and sees thousands of brands launch new products and do business over the three-day event. The existing PATS team will work closely with Raccoon Media Group, combining resources and expertise to enhance and evolve the PATS brand and experience for both exhibitors and attendees. Gordon Thomas, Director of PATS, will continue in his role, working alongside Nicole Cooper, CEO of Raccoon Media Group’s Animal Health Division, to build on PATS’ strong foundations and drive the show to new heights.
Commenting on the acquisition Gordon Thomas, Director of PATS, shared his optimism: “Joining Raccoon Media Group is a fantastic opportunity for the PATS brand and our team. Raccoon’s commitment to our industry, alongside their expertise in running successful trade shows, means we’ll be able to take PATS to the next level. I look forward to working alongside Nicole and the broader Raccoon team as we embark on this exciting journey together.”
The second acquisition is BETA International which will see the Raccoon team deliver its first event in September 2025 when the team will bring the event to the NEC, Birmingham. BETA International, established by the trade association whose name it bears over 40 years ago, is the UK’s leading equestrian and country trade fair with visitors and exhibitors from over 25 countries. This acquisition strengthens Raccoon’s position within the Equestrian market, serving both the B2B and B2C audience in the UK. Speaking of the acquisition Claire Williams, Executive Director at BETA commented: “The integration of BETA International into the new Animal Health Division will enable it to continue to develop whilst attracting both new visitors and exhibitors when it returns to the NEC. We are looking forward to working alongside Nicole and her team to grow BETA International in the future”.
The formation of the Animal Health Division is a strategic step for Raccoon Media Group, underscoring its commitment to expanding its influence in serving passion-led communities with deep-rooted interests. The National Equine Show, a key component of the new division, was launched three years ago and has grown in popularity and profitability during this time, and with the new acquisitions, the division will deliver even more value to professionals, enthusiasts, and businesses within the animal health ecosystem.
Mike Seaman, CEO of Raccoon Media Group, commented on this latest development: “Our vision for rapid growth continues, but we’re deeply committed to staying true to the sectors that serve passion-led communities. The new Animal Health Division, under Nicole’s leadership, will allow us to expand our influence while continuing to provide meaningful experiences and services to the people and industries we care about. Nicole’s track record, industry knowledge, and enthusiasm for creating impactful events make her the perfect fit for this exciting new chapter.”
Nicole Cooper added: "I am thrilled to take on the role of CEO at such a pivotal moment for the Animal Health Division. The acquisition of PATS and BETA International represents a tremendous opportunity to expand our influence and innovation in the pet care and animal health sectors. These leading platforms align with our mission to support the welfare of animals and bring together key stakeholders to drive advancements in the industry. I look forward to working with our talented teams to maximize the potential of these acquisitions and continue to shape the future of animal health."
Raccoon Media Group is known for its dedication to creating impactful events that engage communities, and this latest development marks another milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy.
