Denplan, the dental payment plan specialist, has extended its reach into the pet insurance market with the acquisition of pet health plan provider Practice Plan for Vets.

The acquisition of Practice Plan for Vets has been made though Simplyhealth, which  acquired Denplan itself just over two years ago.

Denplan already currently owns the Pet Health Plans brand covering 30,000 animals across the UK and the acquisition of Practice Plan for Vets, the current market leader among independent vet practices, adds an additional 68,000 pets to that sum.

A spokesman for Denplan said that there would be a strategic review of both business operations over the next six months. However, both brands are likely be operated out of Denplan’s offices in Winchester “when the time is right”, he said.

Steve Gates, managing director of Denplan, said he was “especially pleased” to note that not only has the dental side of the organisation continued to grow under Simplyhealth’s ownership, but it is now able to invest and expand further into new markets. 

He said: “As Denplan is flourishing within Simplyhealth we are delighted to acquire Practice Plan for Vets as this greatly strengthens the support we offer to healthcare professionals in the veterinary marketplace. This acquisition will also give us both huge opportunities, in time, to explore some exciting new offerings and enhancements to meet growing demand.”

Simplyhealth CEO Romana Abdin said: “At Simplyhealth we look for opportunities to expand into areas where we have the expertise and experience to add value and enhance our services.”