BlueScientific has joined Aptco Group, a European technology group specialising in laboratory instrumentation and scientific solutions. This deal continues BlueScientific’s growth journey and strengthens its position as part of a broader pan-European platform serving laboratories and R&D organisations.
Over the last 13 years, BlueScientific has built a strong reputation across the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the Nordics through its technical expertise, application knowledge, and close partnerships with leading scientific instrumentation suppliers.
By joining Aptco Group, BlueScientific gains access to a broader European footprint, expanded operational, technical and service capabilities. The combined organization will offer an expanded portfolio from global suppliers. The increased scale enables a more integrated pan-European approach.
Tom Warwick, Founder & Director of BlueScientific, said:
From day one, our ambition was to build a pan-European organisation. We are incredibly proud of our team and the strong position BlueScientific has established across our markets. What makes this partnership especially exciting is the strong cultural fit - from our entrepreneurial mindset to our commitment to technical expertise and long-term partnerships. Joining Aptco Group gives the combined organisation access to additional countries, while bringing together a highly experienced commercial and service organisation with more than 200 employees.
Quentin Courouble, CEO of Aptco Group, said:
BlueScientific has built an outstanding reputation in its markets through technical expertise, strong supplier relationships, and a highly customer-focused approach. From our first discussions with Tom Warwick and Stephen Badger, it became clear that our organisations shared the same long-term vision. By joining forces, we are creating a stronger platform for suppliers and customers across Europe.
Aptco Group acquires 100% of BlueScientific, while BlueScientific’s founders, Tom Warwick and Stephen Badger, will continue to lead the business, join Aptco Group’s leadership team, and become shareholders in the combined group.
Alfa Corporate Finance worked closely with the BlueScientific shareholders from initial strategic options review through buyer selection, negotiation and completion, helping to structure a deal that balances value, cultural fit and continuity for staff, customers and suppliers. The transaction underlines Alfa Corporate Finance’s track record in advising owner-managed businesses in specialist scientific and technology markets, following prior deals in life science distribution and laboratory instrumentation. Alfa Corporate Finance partnered with Affinia’s Corporate Finance team on this transaction.
Tom Warwick and Stephen Badger added: We are very pleased to have worked with Alfa Corporate Finance to secure such a good outcome, we loved Lake Falconer’s professionalism, sage advice and negotiation skills. Worth every penny.
Lake Falconer, Partner at Alfa Corporate Finance, said: It was a pleasure helping Tom and Steve to complete this transaction. It’s great to see such a good outcome for all parties. The businesses are a great fit - truly complementary in their culture, product ranges and geographies. It was also a delight to partner on this project with Adam Croft and his team at Affinia.
Legal advice to the shareholders of BlueScientific was provided by Charlie Fletcher, Lizzie Wilson, Danny Whittaker, and Anil Arora, at Mishcon de Reya and tax advice was provided by Jan Fachot and Rachel Blunt of PEM.
