Affinia advises BlueScientific on strategic sale to Aptco Group 

Affinia advised the shareholders of BlueScientific, a Cambridge‑based distributor of laboratory instrumentation and scientific solutions, on the strategic sale of the business to Aptco Group. 

BlueScientific has built a strong reputation across the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and the Nordics, supported by deep technical expertise, application knowledge and long‑standing supplier relationships. 

Aptco Group is a European technology group specialising in laboratory instrumentation and scientific solutions. The acquisition strengthens Aptco Group’s pan‑European platform and supports BlueScientific’s continued growth. 

How we supported

Affinia’s Corporate Finance team advised the shareholders throughout the transaction, from initial strategic positioning through to completion. 

Our involvement included: 

Advising on sale strategy and positioning

Supporting buyer engagement and negotiations

Structuring the transaction to balance value, cultural fit and continuity

Working alongside legal and tax advisers through to completion

Working closely with the legal team to assist with the preparation of transaction documentation and completion

The transaction was delivered in collaboration with Alfa Corporate Finance, reflecting a strong partnership advising owner managed businesses in specialist scientific and technology markets. 

The outcome 

Aptco Group acquired 100% of BlueScientific. Founders Tom Warwick and Stephen Badger will continue to lead the business, join Aptco Group’s leadership team and become shareholders in the combined group. 

The transaction provides BlueScientific with increased scale, expanded capabilities and a broader European footprint, while preserving its culture and leadership. 

Adam Croft, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions, Affinia, said: 

“The team at Affinia is pleased to have helped support Tom and Stephen on this landmark transaction with an international party, demonstrating our ability to unlock and deliver on cross-border deals.  Combined, BlueScientific and Aptco are well positioned for exciting growth and to become the true market leader for laboratory instrumentation and scientific solutions.   

I’m very proud of the hard work put in from Aneka and Tolu in our Deal Advisory team who worked tirelessly on this project, and it was also a pleasure to partner with Lake Falconer from Alfa to secure such a great outcome for all parties.”