Vespa Capital invests in SelectScience
February 2021
SelectScience Limited is a leading digital marketing, information and peer-to-peer review platform, which publishes trusted digital content to the scientific community to help drive well informed buying decisions around their laboratory requirements and stay up to date with the developments in technology.
Vespa Capital is pleased to back SelectScience’s ambitious and high-quality management team, led by CEO Kerry Parker, to continue to deliver innovative, digitally led services to the scientific community and manufacturers globally. The transaction also facilitates the succession of co-founders, Arif and Louise Butt, who have also invested alongside Vespa Capital.
“We are delighted to partner with Vespa Capital, enabling us to further amplify our growth plans whilst continuing with our overarching mission to make the world a healthier place” said Kerry Parker.
SelectScience was founded in 1998, with a vision to introduce digital marketing services into the scientific equipment market. The business has established an enviable market position, as a leading provider of quality digital marketing solutions to customers which include 21 of the top 25 manufacturers of scientific laboratory equipment. In addition, SelectScience has developed an extensive audience of engaged and loyal members, who are attracted to the company’s appealing digital content. This global audience of laboratory-based scientists, academic researchers and subject matter experts span a wide variety of scientific disciplines covering life sciences, drug discovery & testing, clinical diagnostics, environmental research, as well as R&D within the food and beverage sector.
Arif and Louise Butt commented: “SelectScience evolved 23 years ago as an online resource for laboratory scientists and clinicians. We have seen wonderful developments online which now allows free scientific information and conversation. SelectScience spearheads this communication and helps towards promoting a healthier world. We are thrilled that Vespa Capital is backing the professional SelectScience team ensuring the company’s legacy is, not only maintained, but enhanced further. We would like to thank all our staff, sponsors, scientific members and Vespa Capital.”
Matt Lyons, Partner at Vespa Capital, said “We’re delighted to join SelectScience as investment partners and are excited by the opportunity to work with Kerry and the team as they continue to build a world class digital publishing platform servicing an attractive and niche customer group. The Vespa Capital portfolio already includes businesses in the pharmaceutical, digital and product reviews industries, including those supporting the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Senior debt facilities were provided by Investec, whilst advisory services were provided by RSM, BDO, Deloitte, Plural, DLA Piper, Intuitus and Lockton.