Sale of specialist equipment manufacturer supported by Azets

Isotopx designs and manufactures mass spectrometers and enjoys a worldwide customer base. Global equipment manufacturer Techcomp Europe acquired a majority shareholding in the business in a deal which completed on 30 June. The value of the deal has not been disclosed. 

The team at Isotopx will continue to be led by CEO and founder Zenon Palacz, while co-founder Mark Yardley has retired. 

For Techcomp Europe, the acquisition marks a key milestone in its strategy to provide a broad portfolio of innovative scientific instruments to the world’s leading universities and research institutes. With the support of Techcomp, Isotopx will continue to innovate and produce Thermal Ionization and Noble Gas mass spectrometers, as well as invest in bringing new products to market. 

In turn, Isotopx’s team will benefit from Techcomp’s global marketing and distribution network to reach an expanded customer base. 

Azets, the UK’s leading advisor to SMEs, provided corporate finance advice, led by Tim Mills (Corporate Finance Partner) and supported by Nan Hao (Assistant Manager).  

Tim Mills, corporate finance partner at Azets, said: “We were delighted to advise Zenon and Mark on this transaction and it’s great to see the success of their company being recognised.  Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Brexit, and the uncertain economic outlook, this deal proves that attractive, well-managed businesses will always be in demand.  It’s credit to the resilience and enterprise of the North West business community that our teams remain so active.” 

Weightmans,  led by corporate partner Paul Raftery and supported by associate Barry Riley,  provided legal advice to the shareholders of Isotopx.

Paul Raftery, partner at Weightmans, commented: “Zenon and Mark have built a mass spectrometer company here in the North West that competes with the biggest and best in the world. Having acted for them since their inception 13 years ago, it was a pleasure to advise them on this deal as Zenon take things forward with new co-owners Techcomp Europe.

"The transaction demonstrates the continuing attraction that UK business have for non-UK companies looking to acquire quality businesses.  With its genuinely world leading technology, Isotopx will continue to be based in the North West as it goes on to the next stage of its growth.

Zenon Palacz, CEO and founder of Isotopx said: “We are really looking forward to working with Techcomp to grow our business together.  The next few years promise to be an exciting period for us as we build on the success of the ATONA Amplifier and bring exciting new products to market.  The culture at Techcomp is a good match with Isotopx, where innovation and cutting-edge technology are at the heart of everything we do.”

Richard Finlayson, CEO Techcomp Europe said: “Techcomp and Isotopx complement each other very well.  Isotopx have a very strong technical team with a worldwide reputation for excellence. This investment allows for collaboration between Isotopx and the technical experts in our other companies to bring further innovations and improvements across our product portfolio.

"In addition, Isotopx will also leverage our global sales and marketing infrastructure to reach new customers. We very much look forward to welcoming them to the Techcomp family and to supporting them through the successful launch of their exciting new products.”