** Shares of pet health firm PetIQ PETQ.O rise 48% to more than three-year high of $30.47
** Consumer health-focused private equity firm Bansk Group will acquire PETQ for about $1.5 billion in cash
** Deal gives Bansk Group access to PETQ's products, including over-the-counter medications, diagnostic tests and grooming services
** Bansk Group will pay $31 for each PETQ share held, representing a premium of 51% to stock's previous close
** Deal is expected to close in Q4 2024
** Including session's gains, stock up ~54% YTD
(Reporting by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru)