Cox Agri acquired by PE-backed Allflex

Allflex, the global leader in animal identification, has expanded its footprint in the UK market by acquiring Cox Agri, a prominent UK-based cattle tag manufacturer.

Allflex Expands UK Presence with Investor-Backed Acquisition of Cox Agri

Allflex, a global leader in animal identification technology, has solidified its position in the UK market through the acquisition of Cox Agri, a well-known UK-based cattle tag manufacturer.

This strategic business sale aligns with Allflex’s long-term vision of expanding its expertise beyond livestock identification into animal intelligence and internet-connected solutions.

Regulatory Approval from the CMA

The acquisition of Cox Agri in 2015 triggered an antitrust investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) due to concerns over market dominance. With the combined entity controlling 43% of cattle tag sales, regulators conducted a four-month review. Following this thorough assessment, the CMA approved the deal, allowing Allflex to integrate Cox Agri’s operations and further enhance its leadership position within the UK’s agricultural sector.

Investor-Backed Expansion

Allflex has been part of BC Partners’ investment portfolio since 2013, following the private equity firm’s $1.3 billion acquisition of the company from Electra Partners. BC Partners, a major European private equity firm, has played a crucial role in Allflex’s global expansion. The acquisition of Cox Agri represents another milestone in the company’s investor-backed strategy to dominate the animal identification and intelligence market worldwide.

Expert Advisory and a Planned Exit

The shareholders of Cox Agri were guided through the acquisition process by James Pugh, whose strategic advice ensured a smooth transaction. His leadership helped facilitate Cox Agri’s seamless integration into Allflex, positioning the combined entity for sustained growth in the animal identification sector.

Post-Acquisition Developments and Business Sale to Merck

Building on its acquisition of Cox Agri, Allflex continued its expansion by making additional bolt-on acquisitions to strengthen its position in animal intelligence and monitoring solutions. This growth strategy culminated in a planned exit when Allflex, rebranded as Antelliq, was acquired by global healthcare giant Merck in 2019. The successful business sale underscored Allflex’s evolution from an animal identification leader to a global innovator in smart agricultural technology.

Client feedback

“James was fantastic to work with. We shared a sense of humour, which really helped us hit it off. That meant that throughout the sale, we had constant outbursts of laughter. In fact the harder things got, the more one of us would interject with a funny comment, and there was an immediate release of tension. That was crucial. This applied to the buyer too – we all got on well, and we actually had some three-way conversations on the phone where there was a lot of laughter.

Looking back, it was brilliant the way James smoothed the deal. He pre-empted problems, flagged up potential difficulties, and forewarned me of any major issues, which of course meant they became much less momentous later on. Those interpersonal, management skills were decisive.

James has worked on many, many M&A deals – and even sold a company of his own – and I really felt his experience on my side, always.”

Andrew Sesemann, owner

Cox Agri

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