A company associated with the family of telecoms tycoon Denis O’Brien has taken control of Equinome, a UCD spin-out co-founded in 2009 by Dr Emmeline Hill (pictured) and horse trainer Jim Bolger.

Equinome was purchased in December 2015 by Plusvital Ltd, a company established in 1975 by Denis O’Brien’s father, Denis ‘Dano’ O’Brien, who died recently after a long illness.

Hill and Bolger each had a 37.5% stake in Equinome, with UCD holding a 15% stake, Donal Ryan 4% and David MacHugh 6%. As of May 2014, the company’s equity capital of €250,000 had been provided by the taxpayer through Enterprise Ireland.

Equinome, which received other taxpayer funding through Science Foundation Ireland, booked a net profit of €188,000 in the year to May 2014 and year-end debtors increased to €550,000 from €180,000 the year before, suggesting traction for the company’s services. Year-end liabilities amounted to €530,000.

Equinome has been renamed Plusvital and Hill is staying with the venture. The company says it plans to invest in developing novel equine genomic tests, innovative nutraceuticals and other equine performance and health products. Employment of 35 people is envisaged by 2017.

In Association with

In December 2015, Riztol Ltd, where the directors are Brian Fagan and John Ryall, injected €314,000 into Equinome Ltd through a share allotment. Denis O’Brien’s nephew Emmet O’Neill has joined the  company board.

Plusvital’s niche is providing nutrition and care products to the global equine industry. Plusvital was advised on the Equinome deal by LK Shields.