A unit of the US-based privately-owned food giant Mars has agreed to acquire the Village Vet network of family vet practices serving Dublin and its commuter belt. According to a notification to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Linnaeus Veterinary Ireland is set to acquire the entire share capital and sole control of Blackhall Facilities Management, a holding company owned by the Cosgrave family of vet entrepreneurs. Karl Cosgrave started the business at the Dunshaughlin, Co Meath practice, which is still in operation. Although he remains a company director, the Village Vet network is now run by his children, managing…