Derbyshire life sciences firm sold to US giant
Derbyshire-based Retrogenix, an early-stage contract research organisation (CRO) providing specialised bioanalytical services, has been sold to US-headquartered Charles River Laboratories.
The Whaley Bridge firm was established in 2008. Its shareholders were advised on the deal by investment bank GCA Altium.
Jim Freeth, co-founder of Retrogenix, said: “We are delighted to announce that Retrogenix is joining the Charles River business. Coupled with their comprehensive drug discovery service portfolio, the work that we do and the technology we offer will enhance our combined proposition to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology market. On behalf of the shareholders, I’d like to express our gratitude to GCA Altium, who were integral to realising this outcome, for their advice and guidance throughout.”
Tom Battersby, director at GCA Altium, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to represent Retrogenix on its sale to Charles River. Retrogenix is excellently positioned to become the industry standard for identifying off-targets for novel therapeutics for biopharmaceutical clients worldwide and has found an excellent partner in Charles River to fulfil this. I am sure that the company’s future will continue to be very exciting, and we wish Retrogenix and Charles River every success going forward.”
The Retrogenix shareholders were advised by a GCA Altium team comprising Stuart Warriner, Tom Battersby, Gabrielle Worrall and Matt Jenner. Clarion provided legal advice and Saffrey Champness provided tax advice.
