Buyout set to secure position of CRO in Life Sciences Discovery

A strategic reorganisation of its business divisions announced by precision measurement company Spectris last October, has led to its former contract research organisation Concept Life Sciences being acquired by Limerston Capita.

An established CRO primarily serving the global research and development market, the company offers expertise in drug discovery and early development through to API manufacturing at multi kilogram scale under good manufacturing practice (GMP), which can be delivered as a single service or as part of wider discovery and development programmes.

Underlining its commitment to remaining at the front of its sector, Concept Life Sciences has invested significantly in its capabilities since 2020 and developed world class biology facilities in oncology and immunology. Its team of around 300 accomplished scientists and over 100 PhDs operate from first class laboratory facilities, strategically located in major science hubs across the UK, in Dundee, Edinburgh, Derbyshire, Sandwich (Kent) and Bradford.

Newly appointed CEO, Dr Ben Cliff, will head a dynamic senior leadership team, with responsibility for a new growth strategy that targeting expansion of its services to a new and existing client base. Having been with the organisation for five years, his leadership experience covers all aspects of the business including operations, sales and marketing, quality and strategic development.

Limerston Capital is a private equity firm targeting UK businesses with EBITDA of between £5 million and £15 million. It partners with management teams to help build them into industry leaders through buy-and-build and operational transformation.

“Limerston Capital will be an excellent partner for our business, allowing us much greater commercial and technical focus so we can realise the company’s true potential and deliver the high value service our customers depend on to support their R&D activities,” said Dr Cliff. “As well as the benefit of providing additional investment, Limerston Capital’s fully-integrated and dedicated operational and investment team will be invaluable to support the carve-out and accelerate our growth.”

Jane Grewar, Senior Operating Partner of Limerston Capital, added: “We see enormous potential for the Concept Life Sciences business which is well positioned to benefit from high growth in the CRO market, with its strong pipeline of high-value, rapidly-growing services and a focus on highly invested therapeutic areas. The company’s excellent track record, highly-skilled team of scientists and industry-leading facilities, particularly in the high-growth areas of immunology, oncology and inflammation, make it a very attractive investment for Limerston Capital. We’re excited to be partnering with such a capable team.”

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