Craven Arms laboratory operator taken over

Cawood Scientific, which has a laboratory in Craven Arms, was taken over by managing director Nigel Patrick and operations director Linda Radnor in December 2010.

That was supported by private equity house NVM, and that company has now sold on its stake to Inflexion.

Cawood, which has its headquarters in Berkshire, was founded more than 25 years ago, and offers analytical testing to the arable, livestock and environmental sectors.

The company serves more than 3,500 customers, and as well as its operation in Shropshire has laboratories in Yorkshire and Norfolk. It employs a total of 170 people.

Since the management buyout Lord Curry of Kirkharle has joined as chairman and the company has continued to develop its laboratory capabilities and established its veterinary diagnostics business.

Mr Patrick said: “We are delighted that the Cawood business is partnering with Inflexion to help us achieve the next stage of growth for the company.

"With a chairman of the calibre of Lord Curry of Kirkharle and the backing of Inflexion we firmly believe the Company is extremely well placed to serve and grow within the agri-foods market in which we operate."

Peter Hodson, investment partner of NVM added: “We are delighted with our investment and successful sale of Cawood Scientific and feel the business is now well placed for its next phase of growth under Inflexion's ownership."

Inflexion says it works with companies in which it has invested to support further growth.

Other businesses in its stable include British Engineering Services, an engineering testing, inspection and consultancy firm, agricultural data business Kynetec, and risk management specialist Alcumus.

GCA Altium managing director Simon Lord advised the company on the sale, supported by director Dominic Orsini and associate Tom Battersby.

Mr Lord said: “Over the last few years, Cawood has established itself as the UK’s leading provider of agri-testing data, with its three distinct brands providing a high quality service and analytical insight.

"Partnering with Inflexion will enable the business to continue its growth in a growing market as agriculture is subject to increasing demographic challenges.”