Biological Preparations in merger with Cleveland Biotech

Biological Preparations Ltd, a specialist biotechnology company, has merged with Cleveland Biotech (CBio) in an NVM Private Equity (NVM)-backed transaction. The shareholders of Biological Preparations Ltd were advised by M&A consultancy BCMS during the transaction, which completed in 2015.

Biological Preparations Ltd is recognised as the leading UK company specialising in the development of non-chemical products, based on microbial, antimicrobial, plant extract and enzyme technology. Cardiff-based, the company operates a specialist production facility, where it manufactures and retains proprietary strains of bacteria. Biological Preparations Ltd works with leading organisations in the food and drink, water treatment, agricultural and cleaning sectors, to produce a range of non-chemical products.

CBio is a leader in applied environmental biotechnology, developing fermented bacteria for use in a range of biological products which naturally degrade a range of organic pollutants; including grease, fat, oil, diesel, uric acid and limescale. Located at Stockton-on-Tees, CBio is focussed on Food, Oil and Grease (FOG) management and supplies its products to a wide range of Food Service Establishments (FSEs) such as supermarkets, restaurants, hotels and pubs as well as local authorities.

NVM, is an independently owned investor, managing £300m of funds, and has over 30 years’ experience of investing in unquoted UK businesses.

Deal commentary

At the time of the transaction in 2015, James Patterson, Managing Director of Biological Preparations Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with CBio and NVM to create an enlarged business that will offer an extensive range of products and services to exploit the growing demand for biotechnology solutions for waste control and cleaning requirements.”

Mauro Biagioni, Partner of NVM Private Equity, said: “The CBio and Biological Preparations management teams have over 60 years of combined experience in the biological treatment marketing. Both teams have built successful and competing businesses, so the partnership will give the new company a market leading position –especially in light of increasing pressures on companies that produce waste to actively demonstrate their green credentials.”