CIP Merchant Capital, an investment company, completed its investment in 7Star, a veterinary hospital, under the brand Happy Friends, in Lombardy, North Italy. CIP Merchant Capital has invested, in aggregate, €6.1m in 7Star. This aggregate investment comprises €2.6m as consideration for an initial equity interest of 49%. in 7Star and a further €3.5m by way of an interest free shareholder loan to 7Star. The investment by CIP Merchant Capital will be used to finance the expansion of 7Star's operations through the opening of further veterinary hospitals and clinics in northern Italy.