Core Insights - New Ruipeng Pet Hospital Group is shifting its strategy away from low-quality expansion, as emphasized by co-chairman Li Liang during the mid-year meeting in August 2025, following the notable absence of founder Peng Yonghe [1] - The recent change in legal representative from Peng Yonghe to Wei Shanwei indicates a significant shift in operational control, with high-profile investment firm Hillhouse Capital now managing the company's operations [1] - Peng Yonghe's departure to focus on AI medical technology and supply chain in the pet sector has sparked widespread discussion within the industry [1] Company Overview - Founded in 1998 by veterinarian Peng Yonghe, Ruipeng Pet Hospital became the first listed pet medical company in China in 2016, later transitioning to New Ruipeng Group after significant investment from Hillhouse Capital in 2018 [2] - Despite becoming the largest and most capital-rich pet medical platform in China, New Ruipeng has struggled with profitability, reporting a revenue increase from 4.784 billion yuan to 5.74 billion yuan from 2021 to 2022, while net losses rose from 1.311 billion yuan to 1.417 billion yuan [2] - Complaints regarding service quality, including issues of transparency and over-treatment, have made New Ruipeng a focal point for consumer grievances, with 1,480 complaints reported on the Black Cat Complaint platform [2] Operational Challenges - The pet medical industry faces high operational costs, with labor costs for New Ruipeng rising from 22% of total revenue in 2015 to 52% in 2022, significantly impacting profit margins [4] - New Ruipeng has retracted its IPO application in the U.S. and is undergoing strategic contraction, reducing its number of stores from approximately 1,900 to around 1,600 [4] Industry Trends - The pet medical industry is experiencing a collective anxiety as it transitions from rapid expansion to a more regulated and standardized phase, with increasing operational costs and competitive pressures [6] - Companies like Guibao Pet and Zhongchong Co. are also facing similar challenges, with revenue growth not translating into profit, as seen in their recent quarterly reports [6] - The industry is exploring specialization, digital transformation, and ecosystem integration as potential solutions to overcome structural challenges [7] Future Directions - New Ruipeng is focusing on developing specialized services in areas such as feline care, ophthalmology, and cardiology, aiming to enhance the depth and precision of medical services [7] - The company is also investing in digital transformation, with a new system implemented in its hospitals to synchronize diagnostic records across its network, improving efficiency and reducing redundant checks [7] - Peng Yonghe's investment in Xiaowen Medical, where he became the largest shareholder, indicates a shift towards integrating AI applications in the pet medical field [7]
新瑞鹏创始人彭永鹤悄然“出走” 宠物医疗告别连锁红利期？