Ritchey plc, a manufacturer of ear tags and animal identification products, has just debuted on AIM following its withdrawal from PLUS, raising £6.4 million via a share placing.

Ritchey plc, a manufacturer of ear tags and animal identification products, has just debuted on AIM following its withdrawal from PLUS, raising £6.4 million via a share placing.

The move came just days after the company acquired Animalcare, vendor of veterinary pharmaceuticals and animal identification chips, for up to £14 million. Adopting the brand name, Ritchey will be known as Animalcare Group plc.

“The enlarged group commands strong positions in niche areas supplying both the livestock and companion animals markets, and offering excellent growth opportunities,” says Simon Riddell, chief executive of Ritchey.

The range has increased to include healthcare, products for calving, lambing and farrowing, footcare and handling, a range of grooming products for sheep and cattle and, more recently, equine, veterinary, pet and hygiene products.

Commenting on his future plans for the business, Riddell says: “We have ambitious plans which include increasing sales through our established customer base and distribution network, broadening our product range, entering new markets and selectively making acquisitions.”