Virbac
Virbac is a French-listed veterinary pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and distributes medicines, vaccines, parasiticides, dental, dermatology, and nutrition products for companion animals and livestock across 100+ countries, selling primarily through veterinary clinics, distributors, and online retailers.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1968
- HeadquartersCarros, France
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Virbac does
Virbac is a French animal health pharmaceutical company founded in 1968 and headquartered in Carros, France, listed on Euronext Paris (EPA:VIRP). It develops, manufactures, and distributes veterinary medicines, vaccines, parasiticides, dermatology products, dental products, diagnostics, nutritional supplements, and specialty therapeutics for companion animals (cats, dogs) and food-producing animals (cattle, swine, aquaculture). The company holds the #1 veterinarian-recommended dental brand (C.E.T.) and operates flagship parasiticide franchises including Sentinel and Iverhart, alongside newer specialty assets such as URSOLYX (feline muscle health) and Felanorm/Thyronorm (feline hyperthyroidism). Manufacturing is conducted at facilities in France, the United States, Argentina, Japan, India, and Chile, supported by wholly-owned distribution subsidiaries in 100+ countries.
The business operates on a B2B go-to-market model selling through veterinary clinics, animal health distributors, and online retailers, with end users including veterinarians, farmers, breeders, and pet owners. Revenue is split roughly 60% companion animals and 40% food-producing animals, with FY2025 revenue of €1.465 billion (7.9% organic growth) and Q1 2026 revenue of €384 million (+7.7%). The product mix is dominated by one-time pharmaceutical sales rather than recurring subscriptions. Growth has been substantially augmented by an active M&A program, including the €280 million Sasaeah acquisition (Japan, 2024), £100 million Felanorm/Thyronorm acquisition (2025), and earlier $410 million Sentinel brands acquisition from Eli Lilly (2015), alongside licensing deals such as the MabGenesis monoclonal antibody agreement (2025).
The company is led by CEO Paul Martingell and CFO Habib Ramdani, with governance undergoing a 2026 regional reorganization into three major regions. Virbac's strategic positioning emphasizes species-specific innovation, global distribution scale, and post-acquisition portfolio integration rather than technology-platform differentiation.
Virbac firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Virbac
- Legal name
- VIRBAC
- Website
- https://virbac.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1968
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Virbac is a French-listed veterinary pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and distributes medicines, vaccines, parasiticides, dental, dermatology, and nutrition products for companion animals and livestock across 100+ countries, selling primarily through veterinary clinics, distributors, and online retailers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Virbac industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Veterinary Pharmaceuticals
- NAICS
- Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), Animal Food Manufacturing (31111)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Veterinary Vaccines (Biologics) (HLAMAEAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Biologics & Immunotherapies (Non-vaccine) (HLAMAEAK), Parasiticides & Ectoparasite Control (Flea/Tick/Heartworm) (HLAMAEAD), Veterinary Pharmacy, Vaccine & Biologics Services (AFAEANAK)
Keywords
Where Virbac is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Carros
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Virbac business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Veterinary Pharmaceuticals and Medicines: Revenue generated from selling veterinary medicines, vaccines, parasiticides, antibiotics, and dermatology products to veterinarians and animal health distributors
- Companion Animal Products: Products for cats and dogs including nutritional supplements, dental care, dermatology, parasiticides, representing approximately 60% of total sales
- Food-Producing Animal Products: Products for cattle, swine, aquaculture including vaccines, antibiotics, and health management solutions
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels3 records
Virbac product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Virbac develops, manufactures, and sells a comprehensive range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, dermatology products, diagnostics, dental care solutions, and nutritional supplements for companion animals (cats and dogs) and food-producing animals (cattle, swine, aquaculture, poultry). The portfolio includes proprietary brands such as C.E.T.® dental products, Sentinel® and Iverhart® parasiticides, URSOLYX™ muscle health supplements, and Thyronorm/Felanorm for feline hyperthyroidism. Products are distributed globally in more than 100 countries through veterinary clinics, animal health distributors, and online retailers.
Product overview
Virbac is a global animal health company offering a comprehensive and practical range of veterinary products and services covering the majority of animal species and diseases. The company's portfolio includes companion animal health solutions (dermatology, parasiticides, vaccines, diagnostics, nutritional products including C.E.T.® dental products, and antibiotics), farm animal health products (cattle, aquaculture/salmon, swine), and specialty pharmaceuticals. Key products include C.E.T. AQUADENT® FR3SH® Dental Solution, URSOLYX™ Soft Chews for Cats, Sentinel® and Iverhart® parasiticide brands, and feline hyperthyroidism treatments (Thyronorm, Felanorm). The company has expanded through acquisitions including Globion (India poultry vaccines), Sasaeah (Japan farm animal vaccines), Centrovet (Chile aquaculture), and licensing agreements for therapeutic antibodies. Virbac serves veterinarians, farmers and pet owners in more than 100 countries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- C.E.T. Veterinary dental brand, #1 veterinarian-recommended dental brand
- URSOLYX
- Felanorm
- Thyronorm
Products and services
- C.E.T. AQUADENT FR3SH Dental Solution Veterinary dental solution for dogs that controls plaque and tartar; carries the VOHC Seal of Acceptance and is sold through veterinary clinics and leading online retailers.
- URSOLYX Soft Chews for Cats First muscle health supplement specifically formulated for cats to address muscle atrophy in aging, active or recuperating felines; key ingredient is ursolic acid; sold to veterinarians and through retail channels.
- Felanorm Oral Solution Leading drug for feline hyperthyroidism acquired by Virbac from Norbrook; expands Virbac's portfolio of treatments for senior cats.
- Thyronorm Liquid treatment for feline hyperthyroidism; distribution planned across UK, Australia, New Zealand and US markets; aids administration in cats.
- Sentinel Flavor Tabs Major parasiticide for dogs acquired by Virbac from Novartis Animal Health; generates approximately $90-100 million in revenues in the United States.
- Sentinel Spectrum Major parasiticide for dogs acquired by Virbac from Novartis Animal Health; generates approximately $90-100 million in revenues in the United States.
- Iverhart Plus Internal parasiticide for dogs; part of Virbac's canine parasiticide portfolio in the United States.
- Iverhart Max Internal parasiticide for dogs combining three active ingredients to provide wider protection including heartworm and tapeworm; marketed through veterinary channels in the United States.
- Milpro Internal parasiticide for companion animals launched in France and Northern Europe as part of Virbac's parasiticide range.
- Effitix Parasiticide product for companion animals launched in Europe; part of Virbac's external parasiticide portfolio.
- Centrovet Aquaculture Products Aquaculture pharmaceutical products from Centrovet (Chile), a wholly-owned Virbac subsidiary, providing protection and treatment solutions for salmon and other aquaculture breeding operations.
- Globion Poultry Vaccines Poultry vaccines from Globion India (now wholly-owned Virbac subsidiary), bolstering Virbac's position in the avian vaccines segment in India.
- Sasaeah Animal Health Products Farm animal vaccines and pharmaceutical products from Sasaeah (Japan), a wholly-owned Virbac subsidiary with leadership in the Japanese cattle vaccine market and a broad pharmaceutical portfolio for major species.
- C.E.T. Dental Products The number one veterinarian-recommended dental brand for pets, including dental solutions and hygiene products covering plaque and tartar control.
- iVet Specialty Petfood Specialty petfood from iVet LLC (USA), a wholly-owned Virbac subsidiary bringing distribution, logistics and e-commerce expertise for petfood in the United States.
Quantifiable outcome
- C.E.T. AQUADENT FR3SH Dental Solution received VOHC Seal of Acceptance for plaque and tartar control
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Virbac
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Virbac technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Virbac partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- PetlovecorePetlove, Brazil's largest pet ecosystem, partnered with Virbac as one of the major pharmaceutical firms for its PetVet medication benefits program offering up to 40% discounts on approximately 140 veterinary medications, targeting Brazil's 160 million pets
- Ceva Animal HealthminorSébastien Huron, former CEO of Virbac (2017-2024), appointed as Deputy CEO of Ceva Animal Health as part of governance evolution
- HABRI (Human Animal Bond Research Institute)corePartnership to promote research and education on the human-animal bond and its health benefits, translating scientific research into practical insights for veterinary professionals and pet owners
- MabGenesiscoreLicensing agreement for therapeutic antibodies for canine diseases, expanding pipeline in monoclonal antibody therapeutics
- MACSOminorAgreement for swine health products, announced October 2024
- PharmgateminorCollaboration with Pharmgate for FDA approval of tulathromycin injectable in the United States
- Jectas InnovatorscoreCollaborative agreement for development of animal health vaccine(s), announced September 2021
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Virbac competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Elanco Animal Health: Elanco is a global animal health company focused on companion animal and livestock pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and parasiticides. Its companion animal focus and product mix closely resemble Virbac's strategic priorities.
- Norbrook Laboratories: Norbrook is a Northern Ireland-based veterinary pharmaceuticals company specializing in parasiticides, anti-infectives, and specialty therapeutics. Virbac acquired Thyronorm/Felanorm from Norbrook in 2025, evidencing direct portfolio overlap and competitive proximity.
- Vetoquinol: Vetoquinol is a French-headquartered global animal health company specializing in veterinary pharmaceuticals and supplements for companion and production animals. Its portfolio and geographic mix closely parallel Virbac's, making it a strong mid-cap peer.
- MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health): MSD Animal Health is a leading global animal health division offering pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and parasiticides; it acquired Sentinel US rights from Virbac in 2020 and competes across Virbac's full portfolio breadth.
- Phibro Animal Health: Phibro is a global animal health and nutrition company offering vaccines, parasiticides, and nutritional specialties for livestock and poultry, with strong overlap to Virbac's food-producing animal segment.
- Dechra Pharmaceuticals: Dechra is a UK-based specialty veterinary pharmaceuticals company focused on companion animal endocrinology, dermatology, and critical care, overlapping with Virbac's specialty therapeutics and parasiticide franchises.
- Zoetis: Zoetis is the world's largest pure-play animal health company, offering pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostics, and parasiticides across companion and livestock animals. It is the closest direct competitor to Virbac across virtually every product category and geography.
- Ceva Animal Health: Ceva is a France-based global animal health company providing vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and companion animal products. As a fellow French-headquartered peer of similar size and scope, it is a closely comparable direct competitor, especially in Europe and emerging markets.
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health: Boehringer's animal health division offers a broad portfolio of veterinary vaccines, parasiticides, and therapeutics for companion and food-producing animals, directly overlapping with Virbac's core franchises. It is one of the top global animal health players.
Broad incumbents
- IDEXX Laboratories: IDEXX is a leading veterinary diagnostics company offering in-clinic lab equipment and tests; while diagnostics is only a portion of Virbac's portfolio, IDEXX is a benchmark for veterinary channel economics and product premium pricing.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Virbac social profiles
Digital presenceVirbac compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Virbac financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Virbac leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Virbac subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries7 records
Virbac funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Virbac M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A8 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Virbac
What does Virbac do?
Virbac develops, manufactures, and sells a comprehensive range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, dermatology products, diagnostics, dental care solutions, and nutritional supplements for companion animals (cats and dogs) and food-producing animals (cattle, swine, aquaculture, poultry). The portfolio includes proprietary brands such as C.E.T.® dental products, Sentinel® and Iverhart® parasiticides, URSOLYX™ muscle health supplements, and Thyronorm/Felanorm for feline hyperthyroidism. Products are distributed globally in more than 100 countries through veterinary clinics, animal health distributors, and online retailers.
Is Virbac a public or private company?
Virbac is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Virbac founded?
Virbac was founded in 1968. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Virbac based?
Virbac is headquartered in Carros, France, in the Europe region.
How does Virbac make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Veterinary Pharmaceuticals and Medicines are the primary driver. The others are companion Animal Products and food-Producing Animal Products.
Who are Virbac's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Elanco Animal Health, Norbrook Laboratories, Vetoquinol, MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health), Phibro Animal Health, Dechra Pharmaceuticals, Zoetis, Ceva Animal Health and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. IDEXX Laboratories is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Virbac have an API?
No public API is recorded for Virbac.
What industry is Virbac in?
Virbac's product category is Veterinary Pharmaceuticals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAMAEAL, Veterinary Vaccines (Biologics), with a secondary code of HLAMAEAK, Biologics & Immunotherapies (Non-vaccine). Its NAICS code is 325414 and its SIC code is 2834.