Limerston Capital acquired Concept Life Sciences, an integrated drug discovery, development and manufacturing organization, in a carve-out from Spectris through its new fund, Limerston Capital Partners II. The deal, Limerston’s fourth platform deal in the life sciences space, will provide Concept Life Sciences with a platform for further growth.
Concept Life Sciences is an established contract research organization (CRO), primarily serving the global research and development market, with clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology space ranging from blue chip to virtual biotech.
Underlining its commitment to remaining at the front of its sector, Concept Life Sciences has invested significantly in its capabilities since 2020. It has developed world class biology facilities in oncology and immunology, ensuring insights into fast-growing specialty therapeutic areas and driving innovation.
Its team of approximately 300 accomplished scientists and more than 100 PhDs operate from state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, strategically located in major science hubs across the UK.
Newly appointed CEO, Dr. Ben Cliff, will head a dynamic senior leadership team. Dr. Cliff will be responsible for a new growth strategy which will see Concept Life Sciences take advantage of its increased commercial and technical flexibility to build and expand its services to a new and existing client base.
Dr. Cliff has been part of the Concept Life Sciences senior team for five years and brings a wealth of leadership experience in the CRO industry from Intertek Pharmaceutical Services supporting the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and specialty chemical sectors. His experience covers all aspects of the business including operations, sales and marketing, quality and strategic development.
“Limerston Capital will be an excellent partner for our business, allowing us much greater commercial and technical focus so we can realize the company’s true potential and deliver the high value service our customers depend on to support their R&D activities,” Dr. Cliff said. “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.”
“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,” Jane Grewar, senior operating partner of Limerston Capital, said. “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.”
