HCR Law advises on strategic sale of Markes International

Rachel Turner, Partner and Head of the Thames Valley Corporate team, assisted by Solicitor Bronia Richards, recently advised the shareholders of Markes International Limited on its sale to Velaris, a global laboratory-automation platform backed by Battery Ventures.

Markes International is a global manufacturer and supplier of specialist analytical instrumentation, accessories, supplies and consumables. Schauenburg International GmbH, a German family office headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, originally acquired a majority share of Markes International from its founders Elizabeth Woolfenden and Alun Cole in 2013, who remained actively involved throughout the entire ownership period.

The acquisition by Velaris marks a significant step in Markes International’s strategic journey.

Rachel Turner, Head of the Thames Valley Corporate team, said: “After a really busy year for our corporate team, this was a great transaction to get across the line before the end of the calendar year and it was an absolute pleasure working with the team at Schauenburg International, and Liz and Alun. Their patience and good-humoured approach were a blessing, especially through due diligence and disclosure.

“It was the first time the Thames Valley team has acted for Schauenburg International, but we were swiftly integrated into their team and made to feel that our input was valued beyond just the legal drafting. The transaction was a real collaborative effort.”

Arijan Shaboviq, Legal Counsel at Schauenburg Group, added: “Rachel and the Thames Valley team were highly competent, responsive and pragmatic throughout the whole transaction. Their commercial approach and clear communication made a real difference, and we really valued the collaborative way they worked with our internal teams.”