Livingstone is instrumental in Divestiture of Specac for Smiths

Livingstone’s Global Industrial Group has advised Smiths Group plc, a global leader in applied advanced technologies, on the divestiture of Specac Limited, a scientific instrumentation accessories business.

Members of the Specac executive team have partnered with Foresight Group to acquire the company.

Specac, based in Orpington, Kent, is a leading manufacturer of high specification sample analysis systems and sample preparation equipment for use in Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, Environmental, Quality Control & Research laboratories around the world. The company’s products are primarily focused on supporting Infrared Spectroscopy, an important analytical technique prevalent in both research and commercial-industrial labs. Having concluded that Specac was non-core to Smiths’ portfolio, it was recognized that the business’s potential would be best realized by a new partner and Livingstone was appointed to advise on the divestiture. The team ran a global process and offers were obtained from a mix of trade buyers and financial sponsors Ultimately, Foresight was selected based on the attractiveness of its proposal and its compelling strategy for the development of Specac as an independent business.

Eric Lakin, Corporate Development Director, Smiths Group commented: “Livingstone’s network reach, expertise in the test and measurement sector and rigorous transaction management skills led to a successful outcome for all parties.” David Smith, Managing Director, Specac, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Foresight Group; the team at Specac believes there to be huge opportunities for growth and improvement, building upon our key strategy of innovating with high specification, high quality products that meet our customers’ needs.”

Graham Carberry, Director at Livingstone, commented: “The management team at Specac has developed a unique and very compelling product set. In Foresight, we believe they have the ideal partner to help them achieve the company’s full potential. Our Global Industrial Team is delighted to have delivered a successful outcome for Smiths—a true world leader in its markets—as well as advising on our 4th recent transaction in the Test, Measurement and Control and Laboratory Equipment sectors.”