Vetoquinol Universal Registration Document 2019

1 PRESENTATION OF THE GROUP Vetoquinol, your trusted animal health partner 6   Vetoquinol  Universal Registration Document 2019  Financial report 1.2.2 Serving animal health for over 85 years 1.2.2.1 Vetoquinol, a long and illustrious history of entrepreneurial spirit 2 3 1 1 Joseph Frechin – 2 Étienne Frechin - 3 Matthieu Frechin Joseph Frechin’s inspiration It all began in 1933 in a pharmacy in Lure, a small town in eastern France. Joseph Frechin expanded his phar- macy business to include the production of specialized human pharmaceuticals, naming his company “Labora- toires Biochimiques de l’Est”. He built up a substantial inventory of oxyquinoline, an antiseptic developed by a chemist friend. It was then that he had the idea of using this product to treat animals. He then conducted the first trials with the help of his father Charles Frechin, a renowned veteri- nary surgeon in the region: the results were convincing. Christened Vetoquinol, the remedy became an instant success and was rapidly made available in many forms: tablets, powder, gel, oblets, vaginal inserts and creams. In 1948, Joseph Frechin added a veterinary department to his laboratory, and Vetoquinol was born. Étienne Frechin’s far-reaching vision Vetoquinol’s post-war growth was driven by the farming industry, which was making increasing use of veterinary drugs in order to reconstitute livestock populations. Vetoquinol gradually spread its wings and before long had 100 employees. In 1962, Étienne Frechin joined his father’s company in order to focus on its development. He moved the company headquarters to Magny-Vernois, a village just outside Lure. Since then, Vetoquinol has offered its customers an ever- growing range of drugs and innovative solutions. In 1980, as much as 20% of the company’s sales were generated outside France. Totaling 280 employees at the time, the company set up an international department. Subsidiaries were establi- shed in the Netherlands, Ireland and Belgium. Through establishment and takeovers, Vetoquinol gra- dually built up a network of subsidiaries covering the entire planet. The company’s stock market listing in 2006 enabled it to secure new funds and acquire a foothold in new markets. This milestone was a golden opportunity to boost its reputation and share its vision of the animal health industry. Matthieu Frechin’s commitment In April 2010, Matthieu Frechin was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Vetoquinol. As the grandson of the company’s founder and the third generation to take the helm, his appointment reinforced the shareholders’ ambition to continue Vetoquinol’s captivating story in the same spirit of boldness, commitment and independence. To continue developing, Vetoquinol decided to remain an independent company. Its manageable size and family shareholding structure make Vetoquinol a flexible and responsive company While entrepreneurial focus, an innovative approach and strong team spirit, With Matthieu at the helm are the very best assets for developing new products and solutions in order to promote animal health, improving the daily lives of cattle breeders and pet owners alike and helping vets to accomplish their mission with success; customer needs continue to be our primary source of inspiration. Over two years ago, under Matthieu’s guidance, Veto- quinol launched a drive to transform the company by focusing on initiative-taking, willingness and commit-