Benchmark Holdings has announced that it has acquired Improve International limited, the Swindon-based veterinary Continuing Professional Development (CPD) business.

Improve will be added to Benchmark's Technical Publishing division, which provides global knowledge transfer, technical insight, e-learning and market analysis for people and businesses working in agriculture, aquaculture and the food supply chain.

Established in 1998 by a group of veterinary surgeons, Improve organises CPD courses for veterinary professionals across the UK, Republic of Ireland, Scandinavia and mainland Europe from its bases in the UK and Portugal.

Improve's courses are run privately and are accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and/ or Harper Adams University.

In partnership with ESVPS and Harper Adams University, Improve also provides courses and qualifications for Official Veterinarians in England, Scotland and Wales.

Improve's veterinary directors, David Babington (pictured right), Heber Alves and Rui Lobao will all remain with the business.

Benchmark's management says it believes there is considerable scope for online development of the courses within the digital arm of its Technical Publishing division. The division currently offers 15 distance-learning courses, which are tailored to develop core industry skills.

Malcolm Pye, Chief Executive of Benchmark Holdings Plc said: "The acquisition of Improve will enable us to combine our digital and distance learning expertise with Improve's veterinary content across Europe, enhancing our ability to serve the professionals in our key veterinary markets.

"This is a significant step forward for our Technical Publishing division in both of the food and companion animal markets. We plan to take Improve's successful, face-to-face courses and deliver content digitally on an international basis."

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