Top 100 UK law firm Birketts has advised SDI Group plc (SDI Group) on the acquisition of SafeLab Systems (SafeLab), in a deal worth approximately £7.7m.

This is the fourth deal Birketts has advised SDI Group on in the last 18 months, following the acquisition of Monmouth Scientific at the end of 2020, the purchase of Uniform Engineering in early 2021 and the purchase of Scientific Vacuum Systems at the start of 2022.

SDI Group designs and manufactures scientific and technology products for use by the life science, healthcare, astronomy and art conservation sectors around the world. Its portfolio of brands help make huge strides in a number of industries, from supporting DNA and protein analysis, to enabling deep-sky astronomy imaging.

Safelab produces high specification fume cupboards and safety cabinets, for both commercial and research laboratories, with a special focus on the education sector. Based in Weston-Super-Mare, Safelab makes a range of versatile and fully-featured ducted cabinets and provide ongoing service support. SDI Group plans to keep the SafeLab identity with the majority shareholder seller Roger Guess continuing to lead the business.

Birketts’ team was led by Legal Director Nick Burt (Corporate), with support from Laura Giblin (Corporate), Julia Harlock (Commercial Property), Olivia Toulson (Employment) and Robbie Watson (Tax).

Speaking after the acquisition, SDI Group CEO Mike Creedon said: “SafeLab is an excellent addition to our existing portfolio and marks a significant step in our overall growth strategy. We are delighted to welcome them to the SDI Group.

Nick and the team at Birketts have been great to work with once again and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

Birketts Legal Director Nick Burt added: “It was a pleasure to work with SDI Group again and SafeLab looks to have a bright future working alongside the other businesses within the SDI Group.”