WDT takes over practice supplies from DECHRA

"Put in good hands". You only let go of some things when you know that they will be in good hands.

This is exactly the case at Dechra. On 1 February 2026, the company will hand over its practice supplies division - including its well-known own brands CoFlex, Alflex and Al-Vet - to WDT.

What sounds like a clear cut deal is in fact a transition with foresight and a great deal of mutual trust. The two companies have more in common than just a shared market: similar values, a long-standing relationship with the veterinary profession and the feeling that now is the right time.

In this interview, Thomas Weers (Managing Director Dechra) and Christof Ehlen (WDT Board Member, Sales and Trading) explain why change is sometimes exactly the right step and how to let go of something when you know that it will continue well.

Passing something on together often only works if there is trust and a shared view of the industry. What was the right fit for you both from the start? Was there a moment when you realised: This would work?

Thomas Weers: I personally have a partnership with WDT that has lasted well over 20 years. That's why I have a lot of trust in WDT's actions. We have the same view of the industry in many respects. That's why I've been convinced from the outset that WDT is the right partner to continue to reliably supply our practice supplies to our customers and to further develop them in the interests of our customers. I'm sure it will work!

Christof Ehlen: We have had an open and constructive dialogue with Dechra, and with Thomas Weers in particular, for many years. It was never just about individual products, but always about a shared understanding of responsibility towards the veterinary profession. When the internal decision was made at Dechra to reorganise the practice supplies division, there was actually this one phone call between Thomas Weers and myself in which it very quickly became clear: We share the same view of the market, customers and the future. From that moment on, the question was no longer whether we would take over, but how we would organise this transition in such a way that it would be sensible, stable and sustainable for everyone involved - especially for the customers.

The practice supplies were an integral part of your customer relationships for many years. What does it mean for you personally - and for your team - to now place this area in other hands?

Thomas Weers: This is indeed a serious step for us, and one that has not come easily. For many decades, practice supplies have been an important component of our offering to our customers. However, the market situation has changed significantly in recent years. Our focus is now clearly on veterinary pharmaceuticals and feed supplements. This is where we want to concentrate our energy in the future in order to continue to provide innovative products for our customers. We cannot fully keep pace with today's demands on the range of practice supplies. That is why it was important for us to hand over the range into good hands. We are convinced that WDT fully embodies this and are pleased that our specific products such as Colorflex, Alflex and our animal labelling Al-vet will be continued by WDT. Our team is therefore also pleased to have found a reliable partner in WDT, which will integrate this area into its product range.

What does it mean to you that Dechra has placed its trust in WDT to continue the practical requirements in future?

Christof Ehlen: This trust is anything but a matter of course for us and is very important. It is the result of a long, reliable co-operation and confirms our claim to be a basic supplier to the German veterinary profession. For us, this means not only continuing proven quality brands from Albrecht / Dechra, but also actively developing them into the future. We see this takeover as a responsibility towards our customers, who rely on continuity, quality and reliability. At the same time, we see this as an opportunity to sensibly supplement our product range and further strengthen our role in the market - always with an eye on what veterinarians really need in their everyday practice.

What values does Dechra share with WDT, despite the different company structures?

Thomas Weers: We were founded as Albrecht in 1947. We have a long shared market presence with WDT, which has been serving the needs of veterinarians in Germany since 1904. We therefore know each other well and share the same passion for partnership with the veterinary profession. In addition to partnership, reliability is very important to us. This is a value that we also share with WDT. Although we are now part of a globally active group, we have retained a great deal of originality. We are proud to have retained a family character, both in our team and in our customer relationships, and we have done so at the same location in the district of Ravensburg as when we were founded. The products have changed and the focus has evolved, so now is the right time to place our range of medical supplies in the trusted hands of the WDT team.

How is it ensured that Dechra's customers continue to be smoothly supplied with practice supplies?

Christof Ehlen: It was clear to us from the outset that a smooth transition was our top priority. That's why teams from Dechra and WDT worked very closely together over several months to harmonise processes, logistics and communication. From 1 February 2026, the supply of all former Dechra practice supplies customers will be fully ensured by WDT. All stocks are stored at our logistics subsidiary VetLog.One and are immediately available. Products such as Colorflex, Alflex, Al-Vet Transponder and other items can be ordered and delivered without interruption. Our aim is for customers not to perceive the transition as a break, but rather as a seamless continuation with a reliable partner at their side.

When you look to the future: What role would you like to continue to play as Dechra, even without the practice requirement, for veterinarians in Germany?

Thomas Weers: I hope to play an even better role when it comes to focussing on the development of new and innovative products. We still see ourselves as a partner to the veterinary profession and we will remain so even without a practice supplies range. We can now devote all our energy to this goal and offer our customers an exciting and expanded range of veterinary medicines and feed supplements in the coming years. After 79 years of serving the veterinary profession in Germany, we are delighted to have been part of an innovative group since 2012, which has been heavily involved in product development in recent years and is currently doing so to an even greater extent. I think we can look forward to our further development.

Christof Ehlen: Our aim is to further expand WDT as a future-proof anchor of veterinary care in Germany. In a market that is changing due to increasing regulatory requirements, growing cost pressure and increasing complexity, we want to offer stability, orientation and reliability. We therefore do not see the acquisition of Dechra's practice supplies in isolation, but rather as part of a long-term strategy: we are bundling product ranges, logistics and expertise in order to noticeably relieve veterinarians and free them up for their actual task - the medical care of animals. At the same time, we see it as our responsibility to address future topics at an early stage: from resilient supply chains and sustainable product strategies to digital processes that simplify everyday practice. WDT should not just react, but actively help shape the future - as an equal partner that listens, invests and thinks long-term.