Leading independent IVD medical distributor Alpha Laboratories acquired by Diploma Plc

Alpha Laboratories, a leading family healthcare distribution business, has been acquired by international value-add distribution group Diploma PLC. The acquisition was negotiated by corporate finance experts Entrepreneurs Hub Ltd, who specialise in providing strategic growth and expert business sale advice to UK SME business owners and entrepreneurs.

As a core supplier of niche medical products to NHS authorities across the UK, as well as serving the international private and academic healthcare markets, Alpha Laboratories stands at the forefront of preventive healthcare through early diagnosis.

It played a crucial role in the UK’s Coronavirus testing programme and is a key provider to screening programmes, delivering diagnosis and intervention measures such as home testing kits for bowel cancer.

Andrew Shepperd, Director of Entrepreneurs Hub Ltd said: “Alpha Laboratories coming to market represented a rare opportunity for buyers to acquire an independent, specialist in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical distributor with a track record of financial stability and attractive annual growth.

“Expecting interest in its acquisition to be high, our priority was to find the best possible home for the business, which would provide maximum value for the family and a new owner committed to fulfilling the company’s growth potential. Diploma PLC was the perfect fit to lead Alpha Laboratories into the future.”

The Board sought strategic advice from Entrepreneurs Hub on selling the firm due to its extensive expertise and custom international search capabilities, which opened the sale to international buyers.

Rob Vint, Managing Director, Alpha Laboratories, said: “Our extensive range of value-added diagnostic solutions make us an excellent fit with Diploma PLC, whose focus is the creation, innovation, and delivery of value-added solutions within their life sciences division.

“We also share an ethos. Our passion for sustainability, proven ESG credentials, outstanding ISO accreditation, and significant academic accreditation amongst our employees is something that is mirrored across the group.”

The Giles family, who have owned the company since its launch more than 50 years ago, made the difficult decision to sell when it became evident the current generation could not dedicate sufficient time to the business to ensure it reached its full potential.

“Alpha Laboratories has been a significant part of our family’s lives for decades, since our father David Giles was one of the founding members.” Nathan Giles, on behalf of the family said: “We were looking for a buyer who would not only value what Alpha and its dedicated staff have built but could also see its immense potential in the rapidly expanding global home care testing market. Entrepreneurs Hub found us the ideal match. The business sale process is much harder than we expected and underlines to us why we needed an expert adviser. This transaction would have been almost impossible without the support of Entrepreneurs Hub.

“With this sale we are confident we are leaving the company in good hands, and the trusted brand of Alpha Laboratories will continue to thrive for generations to come.”