CXR Biosciences Limited, (“CXR”) the Dundee-based investigative and exploratory toxicology business, has been sold by its shareholders – including Archangel Investors and Scottish Investment Bank – to UK-based Concept Life Sciences, the growing life sciences, scientific laboratory and consultancy group.
CXR is a leading investigative toxicology business. Its in-house expertise assists international life sciences companies to resolve issues relating to the safety of compounds and with the selection of drug and chemical candidates. CXR, which has 33 staff, will retain its name and operate under the Concept Life Sciences’ Group umbrella. All staff, including the management team, are joining the Concept Life Sciences Group. CXR Biosciences’ CEO, Paul Smith, will continue to head up the business which will continue to be based in Dundee.
CXR was founded in 2001 as a spin-out from Dundee University with funding led by Archangels, the prominent Edinburgh-based business angel syndicate which has been at the forefront of early stage investing in Scotland for more than two decades.
Concept Life Sciences is a UK-based, international scientific laboratory and consultancy business working in the life, food and environmental sciences. Combining the resources, knowledge and experience of its companies, Concept Life Sciences provides a comprehensive platform of services to clients requiring innovative science based solutions. The business is supported by the leading European private equity group Equistone Partners Europe as part of its €1.5bn Fund IV.
Niki McKenzie, Investment Executive at Archangels, said:
“This is a good deal for staff, for shareholders and for Scotland. CXR Biosciences is an excellent business and will benefit from being part of a larger life sciences group while retaining its base in Dundee. This move reflects Archangels’ approach of investing early, providing support and further investment to allow our companies to grow and exiting at a mutually advantageous opportunity once they reach maturity. We wish the business further success in the next chapter of the CXR story.”
Kerry Sharp, Head of Scottish Investment Bank, said:
“Over the last 10 years, we have worked closely with CXR Biosciences to provide an integrated package of support and investment including help with realising their international trade ambitions. The acquisition by Concept Life Sciences allowing them to continue to operate in Dundee with the existing team is an optimal outcome. As well as securing the future of CXR in Dundee, this exit is another positive step for Scottish Enterprise in developing globally competitive businesses in Scotland”
17th August, 2015
Further enquiries:
Callum Spreng Tel: 0141 548 5191
Spreng & Co Mob: 07803 970103
Email: callum@sprengandco.com
About Archangels
Archangels is a prominent business angel syndicate which has been at the forefront of early stage investing in Scotland for more than two decades. Its members invest in, and mentor, promising start-up and early stage companies from Scotland’s vibrant technology and life sciences sectors. Originally formed in 1992 and based in Edinburgh, the syndicate now comprises over 70 investor members and leads investment of around £10m per year in early stage Scottish companies, including leverage from partners, the largest being the Scottish Investment Bank. www.archangelsonline.com
Archangels is interested in Scottish technology companies, which are looking for initial funding of £50,000 to £2m. In addition, Archangels is keen to welcome new investors to its syndicate.
About Scottish Investment Bank
Scottish Investment Bank (SIB) is the investment arm of Scotland’s main economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, operating Scotland-wide in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise. It manages a suite of co- investment funds including the Scottish Co-investment Fund and the Scottish Venture Fund, which are partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Renewable Energy Investment Fund and the Scottish Recycling Fund. SIB is the cornerstone investor in the privately-managed Scottish Loan Fund, managed by Maven Capital Partners and an investor in Epidarex Capital’s life sciences fund. Our investment funds support Scotland’s SME funding market to ensure businesses with growth and export potential have adequate access to growth capital. We also provide a team of financial readiness specialists to help companies prepare for new investment and access appropriate finance.
