Cherwell Laboratories sold to PE-backed life sciences group
The cleanroom products and services provider is the latest acquisition by Analytichem, a global group backed by Battery Ventures.
Rockworth has advised the shareholders of Cherwell Laboratories on their successful exit to Analytichem.
Based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, Cherwell manufactures and supplies cleanroom microbiology solutions to pharmaceutical and related industries across the UK and Europe. It is led by Andy Whittard, whose father founded the company in 1971.
Analyitchem is a Germany-headquartered group of life science companies that provide laboratories around the world with analytical chemicals, certified reference materials and laboratory equipment. The group was formed in 2021 by US private equity investor Battery Ventures.
It is Analytichem’s eighth acquisition to date, and Cherwell will join its other businesses across Europe, North America and Australia. The deal expands the group’s product range and geographic reach, strengthens its distribution partnerships, and brings collaboration opportunities across the group.
Rockworth acted as lead adviser to Cherwell’s majority shareholder and Managing Director Andy Whittard. We are delighted to have facilitated the sale of Cherwell to Analytichem in a deal that will keep the legacy of the family business. We look forward to following Cherwell’s journey under its new owner, and see the company leverage the array of opportunities for growth within its new home.
“Having never sold a business before, I was very keen to have the right advisors on board. The team at Rockworth proved to be key, their advice and support throughout the whole process proved to be crucial to what was a very successful outcome. The whole Rockworth team was outstanding and their calm guidance and constant professionalism were hugely appreciated by everyone at Cherwell involved in the transaction. I would have no hesitation in recommending Lawrence and his team to anyone starting on an acquisition journey.”
