Estendart started life in 1986 as a research centre at Massey University. The University Council decreed that the research centre would be self-funding and it would allow animal health companies to access the expertise and research facilities at Massey University. In effect, the Council created a small CRO (Clinical Research Organisation). Over the next few years, the animal health companies utilised this access extensively and the centre thrived. In 2003 the research centre was incorporated and renamed as Estendart Ltd.

In 2010 Estendart became a privately owned company through a management buyout, with unchanged access to expertise and research facilities in the university. In 2011, a research farm (Jennersmead), also owned by Massey University and located at Bunnythorpe, was sold to Estendart. Jennersmead was established by Glaxo Animal Health in the 1960s for their research purposes. It was a small purpose-built research farm that it was integral to the early operations of Estendart and was relinquished in 2018. Invetus acquired the business operations of Estendart Ltd, on the 1 October 2018.

After 6 successful years, Invetus decided to concentrate on the Australian market and divested the New Zealand Estendart Research Centre on the 1 August 2024. Dr Alan Alexander resumes ownership through Estendart Research Limited with the enthusiastic support of the current Estendart Research Centre staff will provide a continuation of excellence for past, existing and future projects.
The highly motivated staff includes several vets and scientists, as well as specialised QA, Archivist and animal nursing staff. Estendart Research Limited is backed by Chouxmani Investments LTD.

For customers who are looking to develop products or techniques targeting improvements in the health, welfare and productivity of animals, we offer a comprehensive range of veterinary research services to generate high-quality information to support the development process. We are also developing expertise in the preclinical area of human medicines.
Our customers include Animal & human health and pharmaceutical companies, Farmers, Biotech companies, Veterinarians, Governments, Non-government organisations, Statutory bodies, Industry groups, and Universities among others.