ACQUIRE - CVS buys Aetna for US$69B

Aggregation by a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) may deliver a shorter path, better care and lower costs.

According to Bruce Japsen in Forbes the CVS deal, values Aetna at $207 a share, and creates a company with combined annual revenues of $240 billion, which rivals United Health Group ($225 billion forecast in fiscal 2018). Japsen notes that Aetna aborted its effort to buy rival health insurer Humana last year in the face of antitrust scrutiny and didn’t have the resources to build doctor and outpatient care centres like United’s Optum unit has been doing.

“This combination brings together the expertise of two great companies to remake the consumer health care experience,” said CVS President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Merlo. “With the analytics of Aetna and CVS Health’s human touch, we will create a health care platform built around individuals.”

The Washington Post quoted Michael Rea, Chief Executive of Rx Savings Solutions, “This is kind of uncharted territory — a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) buying a major national health plan. I think it’s a sign of the times, PBMs represented a little-known entity no one knew about not that long ago, and now they’re the controlling piece of the deal to take over a national insurer.”

No one should be surprised. The margin between pharmaceutical manufacturer and consumer is open to attack and consumer satisfaction is low. In once sense, it's no different than the aggregation that is happening in other markets such as grooming products. An InfoStream story earlier this week showed Gillette's ability to drive the price of a razor into the stratosphere opened the door for innovators to rethink the market and gather in quite a bit (11%) of Gillette's market share.

While the CVS Aetna transaction may be uncharted territory, the sector will likely see more activity. According to a story by Lauren Hirsch of CNBC on Monday, the CVS acquisition is aimed at driving Aetna healthcare subscribers to CVS stores. She suggests a 'market watch' on Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kroger and Walmart to look for similar mergers or acquisitions. Everyone sees the need for these players to shore up market share, acquire innovation and eliminate threats.

According to an article in Fortune, Wall Street is skeptical. The success of CVS Health Corporation's acquisition of health insurer Aetna Inc. is a bet on a complex and untested strategy. Some analysts are questioning whether the companies can pull it off.

CVS plans to build mini health centres in some of its 9,700 stores, turning them into key locations where Aetna members — and customers of rival insurers — get low-level care for ailments and chronic diseases. Already, CVS has 1,100 'MinuteClinics' in its pharmacies, and is testing out hearing and vision offerings in a handful of CVS locations.

Investors also seem to be showing skepticism. Aetna stock was trading at $180.11 as of 9:34 a.m. in New York on Tuesday. That’s 13 percent below CVS’s $207-a-share cash-and-stock offer. Investors may be pricing in the fact that CVS Health will no longer be a dividend growth company following this transaction.

CVS competitor UnitedHealth Group has a menu of health insurance products under its umbrella including Medicare, Medicaid and OptumRx as its' pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) as well as 30,000 healthcare professionals and hundreds of practices, outpatient surgery centres and urgent care facilities spreading across the country.


WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
Rethinking the market to create a broader ecosystem has just begun. Technology is driving the ability to bring new bedfellows together, but innovative thinking to find large pools of subscribers that can be cemented into an existing ecosystem is the game. This aggregation has already begun in the dental and cosmetic business and is also beginning in healthcare for companion animals. 

Watch the companion animal market for moves to cement a national animal health insurer together with retail locations, veterinary hospitals, diagnostics, technology and nutrition. Companies like Fairfax, Mars, National, Nestle, Petco and PetSmart will likely look at this deal very closely. 

While some call this kind of transaction a 'market consolidation', at Paradigm we look at it from the client perspective. It is really about aggregating the client demand while improving the client experience and convenience.

BUSINESS - Forrest Mars Jr., Co-owner of Mars Inc. Dies at 84

(mars.com)

Forrest Mars Jr., co-owner of Mars Inc., who ran the corporation along with his younger brother and sister has died at 84.

While Mars Inc. is largely known for its candy and drinks, its pet food line has consistently been at the top of the sales market.

Mars Jr. is being remembered as a visionary who was at the helm of the company for more than 30 years and is credited with expanding the company’s reach to Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic and China in the 1990s.

“Forrest was a great inspiration to all of us at Mars, Incorporated,” Grant F. Reid, CEO and Office of the President for Mars, Inc., said in a release. “He was instrumental in building our business, while remaining committed to the founding principles of the Company. Forrest will be sorely missed, but his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind at Mars will be long-lasting.”

Forrest Mars Jr. was born August 16, 1931, in Oak Park, Illinois, to parents Forrest E. Mars Sr. and Audrey Ruth Meyer. His grandfather, Frank Mars, founded Mars, Inc., in 1911.

Mars Jr. is also noted for his philanthropy. He supported environmental preservation projects such as the American Prairie Reserve, and numerous projects in support of American history, including the Brinton Museum of Western and American Indian Art in Big Horn, Wyoming, and the Mars Hall of American Business at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

Mars Inc. was on the list of World's Best Multinational Workplaces in its inaugural year, has provided assistance to pets during disasters, partnered with WikiVet to improve the quality and research of reference materials freely available online to veterinary students, practicing veterinarians and vet nurses, and was an InfoStream newsmaker of 2014 when they acquired most of P&G’s pet food business.

Brands owned by Mars Inc. include Royal Canin, IAMS, Pedigree, Whiska, Eukanuba and more.

Large Pet Food Companies and Sustainable Practices

Mars Petcare is open about their dedication to sustainable practices. In 2010, Mars said they would only purchase fish from fisheries/fish farms that were certified as sustainable by a third party. Mars also said it would no longer use wild caught fish and would rely on fish byproducts or farmed fish. This prevents pet food sources from competing with human food sources. In the United States, Mars receives its fish products from sources approved by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.

Nestlé Purina produced a report documenting a reduction in energy and water use at several plants. Purina also reports “a traceability program addresses sustainability risk and opportunities and focuses on issues such as deforestation, overfishing, human rights, child labor, water scarcity and animal welfare.”

J.M. Smucker (Big Heart Pet Brands) is reported to regularly review its sustainability initiatives. Vice President of Corporate Communications, Maribeth Burns said, “While we continually review our sustainability initiatives throughout the Company, we have not yet formalized our focus on the pet food industry at this time.”

One challenge in the pet industry is that owners are seeking food for their pets that more closely resembles what humans eat. Global Sustainability Director for Mars Petcare, Isabelle Alvoet said, “We are going to have to educate our consumers. It’s not easy.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Paragon Pet Products Europe B.V. Sues Mars For Alleged False Advertising

Paragon Pet Products Europe B.V. filed a lawsuit against Mars Inc.. Mars claims that their Greenies Dental Chews are “The #1 Vet-Recommended Dental Chews and Treats*” (*In pet specialty stores, among U.S. veterinarians who recommend dental chews and treats for at-home oral care). Paragon believes that this claim is deceiving customers through false advertising. On July 20th, the judge granted an order directing Mars to “produce all substantiation (e.g., documents, reports, studies, data, emails, and so forth” for the claim, “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew.” A conference was held on July 28th and the pre-motion conference is scheduled for November 4. Fact discovery is due by October 30, motions due by November 16, responses due by December 4, and replies due by December 11.

Paragon produces Whimzees Dental Chews. According to Pet Food Industry, “Paragon’s complaint seeks an injunction requiring Mars to halt further use of the “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” claim, to offer refunds to deceived purchasers of Greenies dental chews, and to correct and abate prior false advertising statements, including by correction or recall of Greenies retail packaging which contains the “#1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew” claim. Paragon is also seeking monetary relief.”

READ MORE ABOUT THIS LAWSUIT

Spectrum Brands Buys P&G’s Remaining Pet Care Business

Spectrum Brands Acquires European Pet Care Business

Dateline: CINCINNATI

The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) today announced last week, that Spectrum Brands has agreed to buy IAMS® and EUKANUBA® brands in Europe for an undisclosed amount.

In April, P&G announced the sale to Mars, Inc. of 80% of its global Pet Care business, including North America and Latin America. Europe was not included in that deal with the exception of Russia and Turkey. Mars later agreed to buy an additional 10% of the business in additional markets including Japan, Australia and South Africa. With the Spectrum transaction, P&G now has closed deals or reached agreements to sell 100% of its Pet Care business. The deal will close in 2015, subject to regulatory approvals.

P&G’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, A.G. Lafley, said: “Exiting Pet Care is an important step in our strategy to focus P&G’s portfolio on the core businesses where we can create the most value for consumers and shareowners. The transaction creates value for P&G shareowners, and we are confident that the European business will thrive at Spectrum, a leading company in pet care.” Spectrum has a strong Pet Care business with brands representing $600 million in global sales, including Tetra®, Furminator®, 8 in 1®, and Dingo®.

The geographic regions included in the acquisition, which account for approximately 10% of P&G’s former pet care global sales, include 42 markets throughout Europe.

Mars, Incorporated Announces Changes to Leadership Team

Seasoned Leaders Promoted in Petcare, Food, Sales and Marketing

MCLEAN, VA (September 25, 2014) Mars, Incorporated announced today that Todd Lachman, current President, Mars Global Petcare, has decided to leave Mars at the end of 2014 to relocate his family to San Francisco, California. Todd has been with Mars for 8 years, first leading the Chocolate North America and Latin America business before moving into the lead role of the Mars Global Petcare business. Poul Weihrauch has been appointed as President Mars Global Petcare, effective Jan 1, 2015.

Poul is currently Global President of Mars Food. He also has accountability for Mars Drinks and European Multisales. After 6 years with Nestle, Poul joined Mars in 2000. He has been with Mars for 14 years, and in that time has worked in multiple categories, including Chocolate, Wrigley, Food and Drinks.

Fiona Dawson, currently Regional President of Chocolate UK and Global Retail, will step into the role of Global President, Mars Food with accountability for Mars Drinks and European Multisales. Fiona began her Mars career in Sales in 1988 as a graduate trainee. After many years in Multisales in Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium, she became the head of the UK Chocolate business in 2005 and has since also added responsibility of the Mars Retail Group.

Andrew Clarke, currently Regional President Petcare for Latin America, will become Mars, Incorporated’s new Chief Customer Officer and a member of the Mars Leadership Team, effective February 15. This is a critical job responsible for driving strategic initiatives related to customers. Coming from Marks & Spencer®, Andrew began with Mars in 2000 in UK Sales and over the next seven years took on increasing responsibility in the function as he moved between the Pet Specialty, Impulse and Grocery teams. Since then, Andrew has taken multiple general manager roles across the business.

Bruce McColl, Mars’ Chief Marketing Officer is being made a member of the Mars Leadership Team. Bruce joined Mars in 1992 in Australia as a brand manager. Over his 22 years in marketing at Mars, Bruce has worked across Mars’ business brands, categories and geographies. His stewardship of Mars global agency relationships and collaboration with our worldwide marketing community have resulted in brand-building, and award- winning marketing that is increasing reach with consumers all over the world.

“We are thrilled to have such great talent within the organization and proud of the growth that these leaders have demonstrated over the years,” said Grant F. Reid, Office of the President, Mars, Incorporated. “These great leaders have an average of more than 19 years of experience in leadership at Mars, and they are a testament to how well our development programs at Mars works.”

Who in the World is Mars PetCare

It would be hard not to notice the recent acquisitions and developing PetCare Business now owned by Mars, Incorporated. According to Forbes magazine in 2010, Mars  was ranked as the 3^rd largest privately held company in the United States. The company history reaches back through the Wrigley brand and other sales activities to the late 19^th Century. But it was early in the 20^th Century (1911), when Frank C. Mars began to make a ‘buttery’ candy in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and rode the confections horse to fame and fortune.

The fame and success of the company advanced beyond earthly bounds when M&M’s were selected as the official candy of the Shuttle program. Now Mars has parlayed this success into a new PetCare business that owns strong brands such as those pictured on this page. To understand how this all came to be, one needs to understand the ‘Essence of Mars’. These five principles have created an environment which also won Mars distinction as a Global Top 50 Employer.

So how does Mars intend to gather these brands together and create a better world for pets and people? Watching the video embedded in InfoStream will provide some of the answers.

The Mars PetCare Academy ensures that all Mars PetCare associates understand the goals and aspirations of the PetCare business. This focus seems to have propelled Mars management into acquisitions that move beyond the traditional role of nutrition and manufacturing. Servicing the health and wellness of pets is a direction that may alleviate the commoditization issues that nutrition and manufacturers are now experiencing. Brands like Banfield speak to a broader understanding of the pet client and the evolution of the pet business.

Now you have an understanding of how Mars describes the PetCare business. But of course Brands are more about what others say. Sharing your comments about Mars and the approach it is bringing to petcare are invited and may be entered in the comment section below. 

Mars listed on World's Best Multinational Workplaces for 2011

World-leading food company Mars, Incorporated praised for its global Associate engagement program

Mars, Incorporated has been ranked 19th in the inaugural World's Best Multinational Workplaces list, the world's first global workplace excellence ranking by Great Place to Work(R). The list, announced today at a ceremony and gala dinner at the New York Stock Exchange, honored the top 25 global companies to work for in the world.  The World's Best Multinational Workplaces list is based upon all the Best Workplaces Lists published between September 2010 and August 2011 and is featured on Fortune.com. 

Mars, Incorporated is the owner of  brands such as PEDIGREE(R), ROYAL CANIN(R), WHISKAS(R), KITEKAT(R), BANFIELD(R) Pet Hospital and NUTRO(R.  Mars, alongside other qualifying companies, was required to feature on at least five national Great Place to Work lists, have at least 5,000 Associates and have at least 40 percent of their workforce located outside the country in which their company is headquartered. Twelve of Mars, Incorporated's operations are featured on the list including Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

  

"As a global business, we are united by our Principles-based culture," commented Paul S. Michaels, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mars, Incorporated. "Although we operate in 71 countries, speak different languages, and have diverse perspectives and opinions, our culture remains consistent and provides our 65,000 Associates with the opportunity to make their work mean more every day."

  

"To receive this recognition from Great Place to Work and to be featured in the inaugural World's Best Multinational Workplaces list is testament to every Mars Associate who is passionate about their work and takes pride in putting the Five Principles of Mars into action every day," adds Michaels.

The Mars Five Principles of Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom are the foundation of its culture and approach to business. They unite Mars across generations, geographies, languages and cultures.  First expressed by Forrest E. Mars, Sr. in the 1930s as his business model based on delivering a "mutuality of benefits" for all stakeholders, and later articulated as the Five Principles by the next generation of the Mars family, these philosophies guide Mars Associates' relationships with consumers, customers, business partners, communities and one another.

Click here to learn more about Mars as a workplace   

SOURCE  Mars, Incorporated

Canine Breed Identification Market Loses Providers

In December 2010, Mars filed patent infringement suits against BioPet and PetSafe, and against MMI Genomics, Inc.


Today Mars, Inc., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Argus Genetics, LLC announced they have entered into confidential settlement agreements with BioPet Vet Lab, Inc. and Radio Systems Corporation ("PetSafe"), regarding U.S. Patent No. 7,729,863.  This settlement concludes the litigation.

While the terms of the agreement are confidential, BioPet will be permitted to process dog DNA samples for a limited period of time for individuals who purchased a BioPet-branded "DNA Breed Identification" kit on or before 15 June 2011.

Mars will process dog DNA samples through 15 December 2011 for individuals who purchased a PetSafe-branded "DNA Breed Identification" kit on or before 15 June 2011. Thus, consumers who purchased mixed-breed DNA tests from BioPet or PetSafe before this date will be able to receive results.

Both BioPet and PetSafe have exited the canine DNA breed identification market.  Mars, Inc, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Argus Genetics, LLC stated they will continue to enforce their patent rights in this market segment.

About Mars Veterinary:
Mars Veterinary is a division of MARS(R) Incorporated, a company known for innovative consumer and pet food brands that are trusted by people around the world. Its mission is to facilitate responsible pet care by enlightening pet owners and communities with valuable insights into their pets as individuals through innovative, science-based discoveries. For nearly a decade, Mars Veterinary has researched and developed state-of-the-art genetic tests for mixed-breed dogs, revolutionizing personalized pet care. By discovering a mixed-breed dog's ancestry, pet owners and veterinarians can work together to tailor wellness programs that fit the one-of-a-kind needs of a mixed-breed dog.

About Mars, Incorporated:
In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars' first roots as a confectionery company. In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY(R) bar. In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the philosophy of a "mutuality of benefits" for all stakeholders. 

This vision serves as the foundation of the Mars, Incorporated today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion and six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience. More than 65,000 associates worldwide are putting Mars Principles into action every day to make a difference for people and for the planet through there performance.

Click here for more information


SOURCE Mars, Incorporated
Michael J. Price, +1-301-444-7900
Mike.Price@mss.effem.com for Mars Veterinary

Mars Assisting Disaster Victims in Joplin, Missouri

Mars provides monetary and in-kind donations to aid area affected by tornado


With more than 260 Associates in Joplin, Mo., Miami, Okla., and Galena, Kan., affected by the May 22 tornado, Mars' Petcare business is a long time member of the community and is contributing to the relief efforts. Across its businesses in the United States, Mars, Incorporated has responded to the disaster through monetary and in-kind donations to help the residents, pets and aid workers in the area totaling more than $380,000 that specifically includes:

• Banfield Pet Hospital, a subsidiary of Mars, has set up a relief fund via Banfield Charitable Trust with more than $18,000 in an initial donation to help pay for veterinary services for Joplin area residents with pets as well as pets left homeless by the tornado
• $50,000 donation to the American Red CrossMore than 32,000 servings of UNCLE BEN'S(R) Ready RiceVarious assortments of chocolate, snack food, gum & confections products
• Nearly 100 tons of PEDIGREE(R) and WHISKAS(R) products, 340 bags of ROYAL CANIN(R), and more than 43,000 lbs of NUTRO(R) product to help feed pets in the temporary shelter managed by Coalition for Animal Rescue in Missouri, Missouri Police Canine Association, the ASPCA, the Humane Society and Animal Adoption Rescue Center of Joplin, as well as to Banfield Pet Hospital to help feed displaced and injured pets

"Mars is proud to be a part of the local community," said Kelly McGrail, spokeswoman for Mars, Incorporated. "Mars businesses and Associates from across the US have rallied together to provide financial support to emergency response agencies, in-kind donations, and volunteer hours as a demonstration of our commitment to our colleagues and the other residents in and around Joplin. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this devastating event."

About Mars, Incorporated
In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars' first roots as a confectionery company. In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY(R) bar.

In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the philosophy of a "mutuality of benefits" for all stakeholders. This vision serves as the foundation of the Mars, Incorporated we are today.

Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion and six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience. More than 65,000 Associates worldwide are putting our Mars Principles in action every day to make a difference for people and the planet through our performance.

Mar's first Mutt Census reveals US Mixed Breed Population

Mars Veterinary National Mutt Census Identifies the German Shepherd Mix as America's Most Popular Mutt

Launched in March 2010, the Mutt Census conducted by Mars Veterinary, the leading authority in dog DNA analysis took a paw print of America's mixed breed population and aimed to help strengthen the pet-owner bond. Mixed breed dogs account for more than half (53 percent) of all pet dogs in the U.S. and until now, their breed makeup has been largely guesswork. The results are now in and the German Shepherd is officially the most common breed identified in America's mutts.

Mars Veterinary collected samples from around the country from more than 36,000 mixed-breed dogs. These samples underwent genetic analysis by the Mars Veterinary team to determine the breed history of each dog. This genetic data was combined with more than 16,000 responses to a Web survey from mixed breed owners. The Mutt Census survey asked questions about their dog's size and weight, his feeding and exercise habits, whether he was adopted from a shelter as well as questions about the dog's health.

"The Mars Veterinary National Mutt Census provides a vivid snapshot of past and present trends in mixed breed dogs," said Dr. Angela Hughes, Veterinary Genetics Research Manager at Mars Veterinary. "Thanks to the Census, we know what breeds are wide-spread, as well as how people are caring for their dogs and what health concerns they may have. The hope is that the pet community will use this information to provide better care for the nation's mixed breed dogs."

Mars Veterinary, a global leader in pet care and a division of MARS(R) Incorporated, is the industry's gold standard genetic analysis provider for mixed-breed dogs. Their Wisdom Panel Insights test a "do-it-yourself" cheek swab test is the most comprehensive mixed breed test on the market, capable of detecting from among more than 185 breeds that make up a mixed breed dog with unparalleled accuracy.

The Mars Veterinary National Mutt Census is the most comprehensive analysis of the nation's mixed breed dog population ever conducted. While the data collected was vast, a few key findings emerged:

Pet Trends: Pure Breed vs. Mixed-Breed

While German Shepherds prove popular as both a pure breed and mixed-breed, the most common breeds registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) are not necessarily the most common breeds found in mixed breed dogs. The top 10 most popular breeds found in the nation's mutts include:

1. German Shepherd (# 2 most popular AKC registered breed)

2. Labrador Retriever (#1 most popular AKC registered breed)

3. Chow Chow (#63 most popular AKC registered breed)

4. Boxer (#6 most popular AKC registered breed)

5. Rottweiler (#13 most popular AKC registered breed)

6. Poodle (#9 most popular AKC registered breed)

7. American Staffordshire Terrier (#70 most popular AKC registered breed)

8. Golden Retriever (#4 most popular AKC registered breed)

9. Cocker Spaniel (#23 most popular AKC registered breed)

10. Siberian Husky (#22 most popular AKC registered breed)


Mutt Census data shows that the DNA of America's mix-breed dogs tells a story of which breeds were popular in past decades. If a breed was trendy in the past, but has fallen from popularity, it may still represent a large portion of the mixed breed population. For example, the Chow Chow breed popular in the 1980s is commonly found at the grandparent or great grandparent level in tested mixed breed dogs. The American Staffordshire Terrier in contrast, is a breed that appears to be growing in popularity against a trend of declining breed registrations overall.

A Paw-Print of Pet-Owner Trends

Shelter Dogs Rule: Shelters are the most frequently cited place (46 percent) where people obtain mixed breed dogs, followed by a friend/neighbor or relative (18 percent).

Mutts Nibble on Kibble: Dry dog food is the most popular feeding choice (65 percent), surpassing mixed food (wet and dry - 21 percent), wet food (5 percent) and raw food and scraps (9 percent).

Doggy/Owner Sleepover: Nearly half of owners (48 percent) reported that their dog slept with them.

Small Dogs Rule: For most mixed-breed dog owners, bigger isn't necessarily better. Breeds weighing more than 80 pounds represent less than 11 percent of all mixed breed dogs.

Bugs Bite: Flea and tick prevention is important for dogs living in most areas of the country, but 69 percent of respondents reported that they don't use flea and tick control medicines regularly.

Population control: Nearly nine out of 10 (89 percent) mixed breed dogs are neutered.

The Science Behind Wisdom Panel

With a simple swipe of a cheek swab, the state-of-the-art Wisdom Panel Insights dog DNA test can determine the ancestry of a mixed-breed dog by testing for more than 185 breeds, the largest database on the market all for the low price of $69.99. Within three weeks, dog owners will be e-mailed an official Ancestry Report that reveals the dog's genetic background that may help owners make sense of obvious and not-so-obvious physical traits plus behaviors like digging, herding and barking that can all come from the various breeds in a dog's family tree. Once an owner understands a dog's natural tendencies, it's possible to create a tailored training, exercise and nutrition program to fit his one-of-a-kind needs.

Wisdom Panel canine DNA analyses are based on nearly a decade of extensive research, drawing from the expertise of leading scientists, veterinarians, universities and breed organizations throughout the world. This science has not only yielded the swab-based Wisdom Panel Insights, the most comprehensive swab product on the market, but also Wisdom Panel Professional, the only blood-based canine DNA analysis available exclusively through veterinarians. Wisdom Panel development included the analysis of more than 19 million DNA markers from more than 13,000 dogs, enabling the detection of breed composition of a mixed-breed dog with unprecedented accuracy.

About Mars Veterinary

Mars Veterinary is a division of MARS(R) Incorporated, a company known for innovative consumer and pet food brands that are trusted by people around the world. Its mission is to facilitate responsible pet care by enlightening pet owners and communities with valuable insights into their pets as individuals through innovative, science-based discoveries. For nearly a decade, Mars Veterinary has researched and developed state-of-the-art genetic tests for mixed-breed dogs, revolutionizing personalized pet care. By discovering a mixed-breed dog's ancestry, pet owners and veterinarians can work together to tailor wellness programs that fit the one-of-a-kind needs of a mixed-breed dog. For more information, visit http://www.wisdompanel.com/