At the end of October came the official approval from the international competition authorities for Pfizer Animal Health to acquire Fort Dodge Animal Health. Although certain divestitures are a condition of the approval and many aspects of the integration of the two companies were still to be addressed, the new company's Europe, Africa and Middle East region held a press conference in Paris just days later.

Hervé Le Galludec, the Poultry Business Director in the EuAfME region for the new Pfizer Animal Health gave an interview At the press conference.

He explained that the two companies offered many synergies, which include unique devices, products and services as well as customer service.

In particular, he said, Pfizer brings to the new company knowledge of innovative devices for vaccination in the form of Inovoject, as well as lincomycin feed additives, while Fort Dodge brings the well known Poulvac brand of vaccines and highly developed customer service. The combination brings a complete portfolio and unique offer, said Mr Le Galludec.

He said: "I'm excited and happy about this integration. It give opportunities is become a new partner for the poultry industry."

Mr Le Galludec sees the main concerns of the poultry industry to optimise their investments – reducing costs and increasing margins. He added that once the integration is complete, the new Pfizer Animal Health will become leader in the poultry health business.