Mishcon de Reya's Corporate Innovation and Venture Capital Team has acted for Tom Warwick and Stephen Badger in connection with the sale of the entire issued share capital of BlueScientific Limited to the Aptco Group.
BlueScientific are a distributor of advanced scientific instruments providing expert advice, installation, training and support across the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and the Nordic regions. Tom and Stephen will continue their vital roles within BlueScientific post completion, as well as becoming both members of Aptco Group's leadership team, and shareholders of the Aptco Group. Having already established a strong reputation across Europe, the sale of the business to Aptco Group will see it benefit from increased access to the wider European market, as well as improving operational capability.
The team at Mishcon de Reya was led by Partners, Charlie Fletcher and Lizzie Wilson, and supported by Danny Whittaker (Managing Associate) and Mason Sherman (Solicitor Apprentice). The wider Mishcon de Reya team included advice from Anil Arora (Tax Partner), and Mark Kaye (Employment Partner). Alfa Corporate Finance in Cambridge, led by Lake Falconer, provided corporate finance support, and Affinia, led by Adam Croft, provided transactional accounting support. Transactional tax support was provided by Jan Fachot and Rachel Blunt at PEM.
Charlie Fletcher, Partner, commented: "We have really enjoyed getting to know Tom, Steve and the BlueScientific team as we have cultivated a strong long-term relationship leading to this deal. And that relationship means we are really delighted with the outcome that this deal represents for them. Congratulations also to Aptco Group: you have a great asset on your hands here which can continue to go from strength to strength."
Lizzie Wilson, Partner, commented: "We are thrilled to have delivered another successful exit for one of our owner-managed clients. Tom and Stephen have worked tirelessly since 2013 to build one of the most recognised scientific instrument distribution businesses in the UK and the Nordic regions, and this combination with Aptco will only strengthen their reputation, reach and offering. It was a pleasure working with Tom and Stephen and we wish them, and Aptco Group, every success in the coming years".
Stephen Badger commented: "Navigating a company sale can be a long and challenging process, with plenty of unexpected bumps in the road. We were fortunate to have put together an excellent team to help us through the journey, with specialist partners in various areas including corporate finance, tax and law. Charlie, Danny, Lizzie and Mason at Mishcon de Reya were a formidable force to have on our side, and provided exemplary support round the clock from start to finish, helping us to secure an outcome that we were delighted with".