The deal highlights the growing prominence of Yorkshire’s legal sector in facilitating high-profile, cross-border transactions.
Yorkshire law firm Schofield Sweeney has advised in the sale of Leeds-based Vickers Laboratories, a Yorkshire-based stalwart of the chemical industry for over five decades, to Los Angeles-headquartered Calibre Scientific.
The transaction sees Vickers’ entire issued share capital sold to the global life sciences provider, expanding Calibre Scientific’s footprint in the UK. The directors of Vickers Laboratories, Phil Constantine and Paul Bottomley, have devoted their careers to the company, rising from their beginnings as teenagers to senior leadership roles.
Calibre Scientific, known for its provision of life science reagents, tools, and instruments, serves industries ranging from laboratory research to biopharmaceuticals. Operating in over 175 countries, the acquisition bolsters its UK presence while securing the legacy and expertise of Vickers Laboratories.
A multidisciplinary team from Schofield Sweeney assists
A multidisciplinary team from Schofield Sweeney guided Vickers Laboratories through the sale, providing expertise in corporate, environmental, real estate, employment, tax, and dispute resolution law. Key team members included Jack Venable, Michael Cantwell, and Victoria Boothby (corporate), Craig Burman (environmental), and Howard Jenkins (real estate).
Speaking on the transaction, Jack Venable from Schofield Sweeney said, “This was a fantastic outcome for all parties, and we would like to thank Phil, Paul, Sarah, and Dianne for their tenacity and wish them every success for their future endeavours.”
Clarkson Hyde’s Malcolm Coomber and Katie Brockhurst acted as corporate finance advisers, while DWF’s Jayne McGlynn and Ellis Hart-MacLeay provided legal counsel for Calibre Scientific.
Image provided by Schofield Sweeney
Josie Geistfeld
Josie Geistfeld is Editor of Yorkshire Legal News. She welcomes comments and questions.