Hampshire life sciences firm SAL Scientific acquired by US company

Published by

Sam Pither

SAL Scientific, a Hampshire-based life science firm, has been acquired by American provider of scientific and analytical instruments, Advanced Instruments.

SAL, which was advised by Paris Smith and Azets, provides cell biology products and services to organisations that use mammalian cells in their research and drug discovery workflows.

"We are excited about joining the Advanced Instruments team," said Steve Game, Founding Director of SAL Scientific. "As an existing commercial partner, we recognize the strong synergy between the Insti supplements and the Advanced Instruments cell line development systems.

“We are confident about the value that Advanced Instruments will add with regard to infrastructure for innovative product development, manufacturing capacity and global commercial reach and that this combination will continue to accelerate growth for the Insti products."

Advanced Instruments is a global life sciences company which delivers solutions to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, clinical and food & beverage industries. It is a major manufacturer of analytical instruments and services for bioprocessing.

Azets’ Partner Rob Holmes and Associate Director Louis Nutland, both based in Winchester, advised on the deal.

Louis said: “SAL Scientific serves pharmaceutical and biotech companies and research institutions across Europe from its state-of-the-art facility, conducting vital work which delivers cost-effective increases in productivity for clients.

“We were honoured to have been instructed to advise the founder shareholders of SAL on the sale of their business to Advanced Instruments, which has enabled Advanced Instruments to expand on its reagent expertise and commitment to support customers in bioprocess workflows.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the sellers and law firm Paris Smith on this multi-faceted deal.”

Partner Richard Atcherley and Solicitor Sophie Dipper, both based at the Southampton office of law firm Paris Smith, advised SAL shareholders on legal matters.

Richard said: “Sophie and I genuinely enjoyed acting for the founder shareholders on the sale of SAL Scientific to Advanced Instruments. SAL Scientific has built up a strong reputation in the life sciences sector and has developed market leading products.

“We are delighted that the shareholders were able to achieve a successful exit to Advanced Instruments”

Steve Game added: “The service provided by both Azets and Paris Smith was first-class: we were very impressed by the knowledge, professionalism and responsiveness of the members of the respective teams.

“Azets and Paris Smith worked very well together and we are very grateful for the advice given throughout the process.”

Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset. A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise. Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.