Geldards advise Peak Proteins on its sale to Sygnature Discovery
Geldards’ East Midlands-based Corporate team has successfully advised the shareholders of research specialist Peak Proteins Ltd on its sale to world-leading integrated discovery and preclinical solutions provider, Sygnature Discovery.
Peak Proteins is a fast growing contract research organisation established in 2014 by scientists previously from AstraZeneca’s protein structure chemistry group. Led by CEO Mark Abbott, the company employs 35 staff most of whom are highly skilled scientists and its core technologies include protein expression and purification, alongside protein crystallography, structure determination and mass spectrometry services.
Sygnature Discovery, based at BioCity in Nottingham, is an award-winning independent integrated drug discovery and non-clinical services company, with additional research facilities at Alderley Park in Cheshire, employing over 400 research scientists.
The acquisition, which is Sygnature’s fourth in as many years, follows an extensive partnership between the two companies and is the latest in Sygnature’s continuous investment in the expansion of drug discovery capabilities. The Peak Proteins’ leadership team will remain in the business, operating out of their new research facility in Macclesfield, near Sygnature’s Alderley Edge site. The combined expertise will allow for closer work on integrated projects and offer increased value for partner projects and future patients.
Geldards has built up considerable success and expertise within the life sciences sector, having advised the shareholders of XenoGenis on their sale to Sygnature in 2019, as well as advising on the landmark £120m BioCity acquisition by Harrison Street and Trinity Investment Management last year.
Leading on the deal from Geldards’ East Midlands Corporate team were Corporate Finance Partner, Jenny Chatten, supported by Senior Associate, Sarah Bailey and Trainee Solicitor, Hugh White. They were supported by Partner, Andrew Evans who advised on Tax, Solicitor, Tamsin Mason-Rowe advised on Commercial Contracts and Senior Associate, Rachel Mills and Associate, Stephanie Cooper advised on Employment matters.
Jenny Chatten, Geldards Corporate Finance Partner commented:
“We were pleased to have worked with the shareholders of Peak Proteins on this deal which strengthens the life sciences sector considerably. The combined expertise of the two companies will have a very real impact on the future of research and we look forward to watching them grow together.”
Mark Abbott, CEO of Peak Proteins commented:
“It has been complex and demanding selling Peak Proteins. Jenny and the whole team at Geldards have provided a very professional service to guide us through the process and to keep momentum. They explained the complexities of the legal language and decisions that need to be made. They were also very human in their approach which was really helpful.”