Ampersand Capital Partners, a middle-market private equity firm, had a busy week, announcing two deals back to back. On September 21, the company revealed it acquired GeneWerk GmbH and American Laboratory Products Company, Ltd. for an undisclosed sum.
Based in Heidelberg, Germany, GeneWerk GmbH is a cell and gene therapy testing laboratory focused on providing preclinical and clinical trial patient sample analysis services. The company is recognized as a leading provider of vector integration site analysis (ISA) services, a method that was developed by the company’s founders and that the FDA and European Medicines Agency recommend performing after the administration of both integrating and non-integrating cell and gene therapies. GeneWerk intends to use the funds to expand its capabilities to meet the demand for cell and gene therapy testing services. Ampersand Capital Partners acquired a majority interest in the company.
American Laboratory Products Company, Ltd., based in New Hampshire, is an in-vitro diagnostics company that offers specialty immunoassay products (IVD and RUO) primarily focused on the clinical gastroenterology and diabetes research segments. Ampersand’s investment will be used to support ALPCO’s worldwide growth initiatives, including the expansion of the company’s diagnostics test kit offering, broadening the company’s geographic presence, and fueling internal R&D product development and production operations.
These two acquisitions build off activity from the private equity firm’s portfolio company, Nexelis, according to results in Deal Search Online. Back in March this year, Nexelis acquired ImmunXperts, which offers a wide range of in vitro immunology services with a strong focus on immunogenicity and immuno-oncology. It helps biopharma companies select their best lead candidates by assessing all aspects of immune responses in donors and patients. Sambrinvest was a key investor in the company. No terms were disclosed.
