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LGC Ltd
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LGC Ltd
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LGC Group, formerly the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, is an international life sciences measurement and tools company. It provides the role and duties of the UK Government Chemist, a statutory adviser to the government. LGC also hosts the UK's National Measurement Laboratory (NML) for chemical and bio-measurement,[1] which performs measurements for diagnostics, advanced therapeutics, safety and security, among others.

Key Information

UK Government Chemist

[edit]

The Government Chemist is a person appointed with statutory duties prescribed in seven acts of Parliament, supported by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist. In addition, this person is an advisor to the government on relevant matters. Since 2023, both these functions have been funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, but LGC is a private company, and the Government Chemist is an employee of LGC.[2] As of August 2023, this position is held by Dr Julian Braybrook.[3]

History

[edit]
Clement's Inn Passage c1965

In 1842, the Department of Excise set up a laboratory in its Broad Street headquarters to check tobacco for adulteration, i.e. the addition of other substances to increase profits and evade duty, (the amount of tobacco sold was much greater than imported). One employee, George Phillips, used a microscope and chemical tests, most of which he had developed himself. The work of the laboratory expanded to check for adulteration in pepper, beer and coffee with additional staff being employed under Phillips, and a new laboratory was opened in Somerset House in 1859, by which time Excise had joined the Inland Revenue. In 1861, it dealt with 11,000 samples. The work also expanded to include foodstuffs and soap, and in 1874 Phillips had 12 permanent staff. The Inland Revenue Laboratory, as it was now known, was appointed a Referee Analyst under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act 1875 (38 & 39 Vict. c. 63), i.e. one whose findings were accepted in a court of law. This greatly added to the number of samples being submitted.[4][5]

In 1894, an official Government Laboratory was set up, combining both the Inland Revenue Laboratory and a separate Customs Laboratory which had been set up in 1860, moving to purpose-built premises in Clement's Inn Passage in 1897.[6] The head was Dr Edward Thorpe, with the title of Principal Chemist, who expanded its activities to include health problems caused by the match and lead-glazing industries.[5] His report of 1907 states that 173,606 analyses and examinations were made on behalf of the departments of Customs & Excise, other departments, and in connection with two acts, the Food and Drugs Act and the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act.[7]

First Government Chemist

[edit]

In 1911, the Government Laboratory became an independent government department, the Department of the Government Chemist. The Principal, Dr James Dobbie, was the first to be given the new title of Government Chemist.[4][5] The analysis of tobacco remained a substantial part of the work, being greatly increased during World War I because of supplies to troops.[4] Demand increased with interwar legislation, and the Laboratory had to do considerable original research to develop new and better analysis methods. The number of routine samples between 1920 and 1939 went from 199,388 to 430,314.[4] It was also asked by the government to look into methods associated with the carriage of dangerous goods, atmospheric pollution, and the possible dangers to health arising from the use of tetraethyllead in motor fuel.[5] World War II produced a peak demand of 560 354 samples.[5]

Creation of the Laboratory of the Government Chemist

[edit]

In 1959, the Government Laboratory ceased to be a separate department but instead was brought under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. In 1963 it moved to new premises in Cornwall House, Waterloo, London as the Laboratory of the Government Chemist.[4] In 1989 it was changed into an Executive Agency under the Department of Trade and Industry.[8][9] This gave it the remit to seek outside work (which it already did to a significant extent) and earn income to fully cover costs, while having more management autonomy.[5] It also moved to new premises in Teddington.[4]

Privatisation

[edit]

As part of a general programme of privatisation of public services by the government, Michael Heseltine announced that Laboratory of the Government Chemist would become an independent, non-profit company limited by guarantee, or could possibly be bought by a company or institution which could show that it would remain sufficiently independent to fulfil its statutory duties. However, the undertakings required to meet these obligations indefinitely meant that 40 initial expressions of interest produced only three considered suitable to bid, and no actual bids. A consortium of Laboratory employees, the Royal Society of Chemistry and 3i put together a bid in 1995, which was accepted, taking the form of a management buyout. It became LGC Ltd in February 1996.[9][8]

Post privatisation

[edit]

Since privatisation, LGC has changed ownership and significantly expanded its activities. Valued at £3 million when privatised, it was sold for £80 million in 2003 to LGV, part of Legal & General,[10] who sold it in 2010 to Bridgepoint Capital for £257 million, who in turn sold it in 2015 to KKR.[11] In 2020, KKR sold LGC to a consortium led by private equity companies Cinven and Astorg.[12]

Employee numbers have risen from 270 in 1996 to about 4,350 in 2021, as the company has grown organically and through multiple acquisitions. Acquisitions since 1996 include:

  • KBioscience
  • AGOWA
  • Forensic Alliance Limited
  • Mikromol
  • Promochem
  • University Diagnostics Ltd
  • HFL Sport Science (HFL)
  • Analytical Reference Materials International (ARMI)
  • VHG Labs
  • Quotient Bioanalytical Sciences
  • Dr. Ehrenstorfer
  • Biosearch Technologies
  • Thistle QA
  • Maine Standards
  • Prime Synthesis
  • immunsuppressive Eignungstests (PT)-Programm von ASI
  • BRC Global Standards
  • o2si
  • Seracare Life Sciences
  • Lucigen
  • Bioautomation
  • Berry & Associates
  • MBH Analytical
  • Toronto Research Chemicals
  • CDN Isotopes
  • the Native Antigen Company
  • Safefood 360
  • Technopath Clinical Diagnostics
  • Paragon Scientific

Outsourced analytical services for BNG[specify] and Sentinel Performance Solutions[13]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

LGC Ltd

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from Grokipedia
LGC Ltd, legally known as LGC Limited and trading as LGC Group, is a British multinational life sciences company headquartered in , , that provides measurement, testing, and analytical solutions to support , safety, and environmental protection across healthcare, , and diagnostics sectors. With over 180 years of scientific heritage originating from the UK's Laboratory of the Government Chemist, the company operates in 14 countries, employs approximately 3,800 people (including over 1,100 with advanced degrees), and distributes its products and services to more than 180 markets worldwide. Founded in 1842 as the Excise Laboratory to regulate taxation and ensure the quality of consumables like , LGC evolved into the official Laboratory of the Chemist in the early 20th century, where it established national chemical standards and expanded during to support defense-related testing. Privatized in 1996 with 270 employees and £15 million in turnover, it transitioned from a government entity to a private enterprise, enabling rapid diversification into reference materials, proficiency testing, and life sciences tools. Key milestones include European growth from 1996 to 2010, global acquisitions such as Mikromol in 2003 and Biosearch Technologies in 2015 to bolster capabilities, and the divestiture of its forensic services in 2017 to focus on core areas like diagnostics and . Today, LGC Group advances its mission of "Science for a Safer World" through divisions including , which develop clinical diagnostics, genomic reagents, and PCR components essential for precision medicine and pandemic response—as demonstrated by its support for in 2020—and , which ensure the integrity of , medicines, and environmental samples via reference standards and expertise. The company maintains multiple GxP-compliant and ISO-certified facilities registered with regulatory bodies like the EMA and FDA, producing over 8,000 products for residue analysis, environmental testing, and pharmaceutical synthesis. In 2025, LGC expanded its capabilities with a $100 million Synthesis Centre of Excellence and new National Laboratories in , , reinforcing its role in global science and life sciences .

UK Government Chemist Role

Historical Appointment

The position of the Government Chemist was established in 1842 under the Board of Excise, with George Phillips appointed as the first holder to lead the newly founded laboratory in . His primary responsibility was to conduct chemical analyses on samples to detect adulteration, safeguarding government revenue from revenue loss due to fraudulent practices such as the addition of foreign substances. This initiative marked the beginning of official state-sponsored chemical expertise in the , initially focused on duties. From the 1850s to the 1890s, the duties of the Government Chemist expanded considerably beyond tobacco to address emerging and trade challenges, driven by legislative reforms. The Sale of and Drugs Act of 1875 empowered the laboratory to analyze and drug samples for adulteration, extending its role to imports and . analyses included investigations into contamination, such as assessments of arsenical green pigments in wallpapers during the 1870s and 1880s, which raised alarms about volatile arsenic compounds releasing toxic fumes in damp conditions. Similar scrutiny was applied to in , with early 19th-century concerns over contaminated brewing processes prompting laboratory testing to ensure safety in alcoholic beverages and other staples. In 1894, the Government Laboratory was formally created at , consolidating these functions under a dedicated institution, with Sir Thomas Edward Thorpe appointed as its first principal Government Chemist, a position he held until 1909. Thorpe, a distinguished analytical chemist, elevated the laboratory's standards by implementing rigorous methodologies for quantitative analysis, including precise determinations of atomic weights and viscosities that informed regulatory practices. His tenure saw the lab's pivotal role in high-profile cases, such as the 1900 arsenic-in-beer poisoning , where analyses confirmed toxic levels in used for , affecting over 6,000 people and prompting enhanced laws. These contributions under Thorpe established enduring analytical benchmarks for and trade enforcement.

Current Responsibilities

LGC Ltd, through its Office of the Government Chemist, holds the statutory designation as the UK's Government Chemist under the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Weights and Measures Act 1985, enabling it to provide independent advice on measurement disputes and chemical analysis standards in areas such as and trade metrology. This role involves acting as a referee analyst to resolve analytical controversies, including cases of food authenticity, such as verifying compliance with labeling regulations, and environmental testing disputes, like assessing pollutant levels in contested samples, with operations funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). In 2018, Dr. Julian Braybrook was appointed as the Government Chemist, bringing extensive expertise in analytical from his prior roles in science and at LGC. Under his leadership, the office continues to maintain the UK's National Reference Laboratory status for chemical as part of the National Measurement Laboratory (NML), ensuring traceable and standardized analytical methods that support regulatory enforcement and international comparability. In October 2025, LGC opened new National Laboratories in , UK, enhancing capabilities in science and reinforcing the Government Chemist's role in global standards. The 2024 Annual Review, presented to in June 2025, highlights ongoing commitments to impartial scientific arbitration, including focus areas like and , safeguarding and practices.

History

Origins and Early Development

The origins of LGC Ltd can be traced to 1842, when the government established the Laboratory of the Board of Excise in the as an ad-hoc facility under the Department. Initially tasked with detecting adulteration in to protect under the Pure Tobacco Act and combat fraud, the laboratory soon extended its mandate to analyze spirits and other excisable goods for similar issues, ensuring accurate taxation and product integrity. This small operation, starting with a team of 2–3 analysts, focused on revenue safeguards amid growing concerns over economic losses from fraudulent practices in traded commodities. Early analyses emphasized the detection of adulterants in and drugs, reflecting broader priorities. A notable example was the 1858 appointment of a dedicated to conduct inquiries into adulteration practices, highlighting the laboratory's emerging role in addressing risks from contaminated consumables like alcohol and basic foodstuffs. These efforts built on initial work with and spirits, incorporating tests for substances such as and to identify impurities that undermined both fiscal and sanitary standards. By the 1870s, the laboratory's scope had significantly expanded to encompass imports, explosives, and pharmaceuticals, driven by legislative reforms like the Sale of Food and Drugs Act 1875, which required systematic testing to prevent adulteration and protect consumers. Staffing grew accordingly to handle the increased workload, supporting analyses related to colonial trade and ensuring compliance with evolving import regulations. This period marked a shift from purely revenue-focused operations to foundational contributions in for public welfare.

Government Laboratory Era

The Government Laboratory was established in 1894 under the by amalgamating the Laboratory, originating from 1842, and the separate Customs Laboratory formed in 1860, to centralize analytical services for various government departments. This consolidation aimed to enhance efficiency in chemical testing for revenue protection and public safety, with initial operations at before relocating to expanded facilities at Clement's Inn Passage in 1897 to accommodate growing demands for sophisticated analyses. In 1959, the institution was renamed the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, underscoring its pivotal role in providing expert chemical advisory services to the government. By 1990, it had been designated an within the Department of Trade and Industry, granting greater operational autonomy while maintaining its public service mandate. Throughout this era, the focused on developing rigorous analytical methods, including those for detecting adulteration in imported goods and ensuring compliance with emerging regulations on food and trade. Key contributions during the Government Laboratory era included pioneering analytical techniques to address wartime exigencies in both and , such as testing materials for military applications and munitions . Post-1945, the laboratory advanced methods for nuclear safety, conducting environmental radioactivity measurements to support regulatory oversight of programs. It also led in the development of protocols for analysis in foodstuffs, establishing itself as the referee analyst under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act and informing national standards for protection. Staffing expanded significantly to meet these responsibilities, growing from around 50 personnel in 1900 to over 300 by 1990, with a emphasis on testing related to customs enforcement, health safeguards, and . This growth reflected the laboratory's broadening scope, from routine fiscal analyses to complex scientific advisory roles across government.

Privatization and Renaming

In November 1995, the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced its decision to privatize the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC) as part of the broader Next Steps Initiative, which aimed to enhance efficiency in operations by converting government laboratories into executive agencies and eventually into private entities. This move was driven by New Public Management reforms seeking to reduce government involvement in operational services while maintaining essential functions through competitive contracting. The privatization culminated in a management-led completed on 31 March 1996, when the laboratory was sold for £3 million to LGC (Holdings) Ltd, a comprising LGC's staff, the investment firm , and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Following the , the organization was renamed LGC Ltd, transitioning from its full title while preserving its core identity and operations at the site, now leased from Property Holdings. Critically, the statutory role of the Government Chemist was retained through a dedicated with the DTI, ensuring continuity in advisory and analytical services to the ; Richard Worswick was reappointed to the position for five years, supported by guaranteed annual funding of £6.7–£6.85 million for core work over the same period. This arrangement allowed LGC Ltd to uphold its public responsibilities amid the shift to private ownership. The immediate aftermath presented significant challenges as LGC Ltd adapted to a commercial model, including operational disruptions from that resulted in a £916,000 deficit for the 1995/96 financial year and staff reductions from approximately 350 to 250 employees through early retirements and redundancies. Despite these hurdles, the company reported £20 million in revenue for 1997, largely sustained by retained DTI contracts that formed the bulk of its income, with efforts underway to expand into private-sector opportunities.

Post-Privatization Expansion

Following its in 1996, LGC Ltd experienced significant growth as a private entity, expanding its operations and diversifying its market presence. At the time of privatization, the company had approximately 270 employees and generated £15 million in turnover, primarily from government-related analytical services. By 2022, revenue had increased to £156 million for LGC Limited, reflecting a driven by strategic investments in commercial sectors, while the core employee count reached 1,166 (excluding subsidiaries, compared to a group-wide figure of 4,350 in 2021). In the 2000s, LGC shifted its focus toward life sciences, entering the and diagnostics markets to capitalize on emerging demands in healthcare and . Key milestones included the 2003 acquisition of Mikromol, enhancing pharmaceutical reference standards capabilities in , and subsequent expansions into European and markets. This transition involved developing capabilities in genetic analysis tools and clinical reference materials, positioning the company as a key player in applied sciences beyond traditional services. By the late 2000s, this strategic pivot had broadened LGC's customer base to include pharmaceutical firms and research institutions, contributing to sustained revenue expansion. Further growth came through acquisitions such as Biosearch Technologies in 2015, bolstering tools, and the divestiture of its forensic services division to Eurofins in 2017, allowing focus on core life sciences areas. The expansion of ISO accreditations, such as ISO 17025 for testing and calibration and ISO 17034 for reference materials, enhanced LGC's credibility in international . In the 2020s, LGC emphasized in measurement science, exemplified by initiatives like zero-carbon facilities and eco-friendly production processes for scientific tools. During the from 2020 to 2022, LGC accelerated its testing services by providing proficiency testing samples for detection and critical components for PCR assays, supporting global diagnostic efforts in collaboration with health authorities. Post-pandemic, the company continued expansion with acquisitions including SeraCare and the Native Antigen Company to strengthen diagnostics offerings. As of 2025, LGC opened a $100 million Synthesis Centre of Excellence and new National Laboratories in , , further reinforcing its global role, with a group workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. This response not only bolstered short-term revenue but also reinforced LGC's role in measurement infrastructure.

Operations and Services

Measurement and Testing

LGC Ltd provides contract testing and analytical services in chemical and bio-analysis, with a strong emphasis on method development and validation to address complex analytical challenges. These services support clients in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of measurements across diverse sectors, utilizing advanced techniques to detect and quantify trace substances in complex matrices. The company's testing applications span pharmaceuticals, where bio-analysis aids in drug development and quality control; food safety, for contaminant detection and authenticity verification; and environmental monitoring, to assess pollutants and sustainability impacts. Key capabilities include expertise in mass spectrometry, with access to over 30 systems for high-sensitivity detection, and chromatography methods for separation and quantification of compounds, complemented by real-time PCR for biological assays. These technologies enable robust, validated protocols tailored to regulatory requirements. Since 2013, LGC has hosted the National Measurement Laboratory (NML), the nation's Designated Institute for chemical and biological measurement, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The NML conducts reference laboratory operations, developing traceable measurement procedures that underpin national standards and international collaborations, particularly in areas like testing for infectious diseases. This role enhances LGC's commercial services by integrating public-sector expertise into private-sector testing. In October 2025, LGC opened new National Laboratories in , , with a £20 million investment. Located in The Priestley Building at Surrey Research Park, these facilities house the NML, the Office of the Government Chemist, and MHRA chemical laboratories, focusing on diagnostics, advanced therapeutics, , and sustainable manufacturing to support accurate and internationally comparable measurements. LGC's laboratories maintain to international frameworks and hold under ISO/IEC 17025 for testing and , as verified by the Service. This covers multiple sites, including facilities in and Fordham, ensuring the competence and impartiality of analytical results. Over 80 specialist scientists, more than half with PhDs, drive these operations, contributing to ongoing advancements in measurement science.

Reference Materials and Standards

LGC Ltd serves as a major global provider of (CRMs), which are essential for ensuring the accuracy of measurements in , proficiency testing, and across industries such as , , and pharmaceuticals. These materials enable laboratories worldwide to validate analytical methods, maintain to international standards, and meet stringent requirements. Accredited under ISO 17034 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), LGC's production processes adhere to rigorous protocols for homogeneity, stability, and certified values, with characterization often involving primary methods like . The company's CRM portfolio encompasses an extensive range exceeding 100,000 reference material products, including thousands of certified variants tailored for diverse applications. Key product lines focus on standards for environmental pollutants—such as in soils and persistent organic compounds in water—food contaminants like mycotoxins and pesticides in agricultural products, and pharmaceutical impurities including genotoxic substances and residual solvents. These CRMs support compliance with regulations like REACH in and FDA guidelines in the , providing traceable benchmarks that enhance measurement reliability without the need for custom synthesis in routine testing. LGC actively contributes to international standards bodies, including ISO through its accreditation and participation in technical committees, and Eurachem by co-developing influential guides on analytical method validation and quality in chemical measurements. Production occurs at accredited facilities in the UK (e.g., ), the , and , allowing for scalable manufacturing and rapid global distribution while minimizing logistical delays for time-sensitive applications. As the host of the UK's National Measurement Laboratory for chemical and bioanalytical measurements, LGC fulfills critical national responsibilities by supplying reference materials that underpin the country's infrastructure, with products exported to over countries to support global scientific and regulatory efforts. This reach ensures that industries from to benefit from harmonized standards, fostering international comparability in analytical results.

Life Sciences Solutions

LGC's Life Sciences Solutions encompass a range of specialized products and services tailored for , diagnostics, and therapeutics, primarily delivered through its Biosearch Technologies division and integrated clinical diagnostics offerings. This portfolio supports research, development, and commercialization in , enabling advancements in areas such as infectious disease detection, , and . The Biosearch Technologies division specializes in , qPCR reagents, and custom synthesis for both and clinical applications. It manufactures high-quality custom at three global ISO 9001 and certified sites, producing quantities from nanomole to gram-scale, including proprietary Black Hole Quencher™ (BHQ™) dyes, fluorophores, and qPCR probes for detection. The division's qPCR reagents form a comprehensive portfolio optimized for amplification, incorporating solid supports and enzymes for workflows. Custom synthesis services leverage controlled-pore glass (CPG) technology and BHQ™ modifications to support therapeutics development, catering to pharmaceutical and biotech needs. In September 2025, LGC opened a $100 million Synthesis Centre of Excellence in , , . Operated by Toronto Research Chemicals (a part of LGC), this 203,000 ft² facility expands global capacity for synthesizing complex organic molecules, supporting , diagnostics, and environmental safety for customers in over 170 countries. In services, LGC provides next-generation sequencing (NGS) support and kits, particularly through targeted genotyping by sequencing (GBS) solutions that enable cost-effective genome-wide SNP discovery without prior sequence knowledge. These offerings accelerate , amplification, and for agrigenomics applications in , , and , while also supporting broader genomic research. The diagnostics portfolio includes production and development, bolstered by integrations such as the 2020 acquisition of The Native Antigen Company. This enables the manufacture of recombinant and native for infectious diseases, alongside bespoke development and for serological and (NAT and MDx). These tools target creation and research in pathogens like and SARS-CoV-2. As of fiscal year 2024 (ended 31 March 2024), the Clinical & MDx segment contributed 37% of LGC's of £716.5 million, primarily serving pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare clients.

Ownership and Growth

Ownership Transitions

Following its privatization in 1996 through a backed by the Royal Society of Chemistry and investor , LGC operated under shared ownership that facilitated initial diversification into commercial services. The buyout valued the company at approximately £5 million, marking the end of its status as a government laboratory and enabling expansion beyond core analytical roles. In 2004, LGV Capital, the private equity arm of Legal & General Ventures, acquired a majority stake in LGC from 3i and other initial investors for £70 million, providing capital for further growth in testing and reference materials. Under LGV's ownership, LGC's turnover rose from £15 million to £52 million by the mid-2000s, reflecting accelerated commercialization. Bridgepoint Capital purchased LGC from LGV in in a transaction valued at £257 million (approximately €294 million), supporting investments in international operations and acquisitions within life sciences. During Bridgepoint's tenure, the company tripled its profits and expanded its revenue base to over £130 million annually. In 2015, KKR acquired LGC from Bridgepoint for approximately £650 million, focusing on scaling its global presence in measurement standards and tools. KKR's investment enabled significant organic growth and strategic purchases, boosting enterprise value over the subsequent years. In April 2020, KKR sold LGC to a led by firms and Astorg, with the transaction carrying an enterprise value of approximately £3 billion; the deal included financing from a £1.3 billion leveraged loan and was approved by EU regulators earlier that year. This ownership shift provided resources for continued investments in high-growth areas like clinical diagnostics, without pursuing an . As of 2025, LGC remains privately held by the -Astorg , with no public listing.

Key Acquisitions and Investments

Since its in 1996, LGC has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, completing 13 acquisitions to expand its capabilities in life sciences tools, diagnostics, and measurement standards. Acquisition activity peaked in 2018 with four deals, followed by two each in 2015 and 2021, focusing on complementary technologies in , quality controls, and clinical diagnostics. These moves have strategically bolstered LGC's portfolio in high-growth areas such as next-generation sequencing and infectious disease reagents, enabling integration of specialized expertise to serve pharmaceutical, agrigenomics, and clinical laboratory customers. Key recent acquisitions highlight LGC's emphasis on diagnostics and genomics. In July 2023, LGC acquired KOVA International, Inc., including Biochemical Diagnostics, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of urinalysis and toxicology quality control products, enhancing its clinical quality control offerings for in vitro diagnostics. Earlier, in April 2022, LGC purchased RAPiD Genomics, a U.S. provider of mid- to high-density next-generation sequencing kits and services for genotyping in agrigenomics and plant breeding, which expanded LGC's high-throughput sequencing capabilities. In November 2023, LGC Biosearch Technologies acquired PolyDesign, a U.S. supplier of solid support embedded frits used in oligonucleotide synthesis for DNA and RNA manufacturing, strengthening production tools for nucleic acid chemistry. Additionally, in December 2024, LGC acquired DiaMex GmbH, a German producer of third-party serology and molecular quality controls for clinical laboratories and blood banks, further diversifying its portfolio in manufacturer-independent diagnostics solutions. Earlier notable deals include the July 2020 acquisition of The Native Antigen Company, a U.K.-based supplier of recombinant viral and bacterial antigens for infectious disease research and diagnostics, which reinforced LGC's role in supporting global diagnostics development. In November 2018, LGC acquired SeraCare Life Sciences, a U.S. firm specializing in clinical tools and reference materials for , particularly during the epidemic era, to advance precision medicine applications. These acquisitions, with most deal values undisclosed, have collectively driven LGC's expansion by integrating innovative technologies that address unmet needs in and life sciences workflows. Complementing its M&A activity, LGC has made significant capital investments in . In September 2025, LGC opened its $100 million Synthesis Centre of Excellence in , , , a 203,000-square-foot facility designed to scale production of custom and standards for pharmaceutical and sciences customers, enhancing global reliability. In October 2025, LGC launched new National Laboratories in , U.K., with a £20 million investment in state-of-the-art, low-carbon facilities at Surrey Research Park, aimed at advancing for , , and programs. These investments, supported by LGC's ownership structure under Astorg, , and , underscore a commitment to long-term in analytical and capabilities.

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  56. https://d2p36i2repke8e.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/2024/10/annual-report-2024.pdf
  57. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ac9716082
  58. https://www.thetimes.com/article/venture-capital-firms-bid-for-lgc-8kl609pt5xr
  59. https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/bridgepoint-buys-forensic-firm-lgc-for-404-mln-idUSLDE6140Y8/
  60. https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/lgv-sells-interest-lgc-group-bridgepoint/
  61. https://www.unquote.com/uk/official-record/3017353/cinven-astorg-to-acquire-lgc-for-gbp3bn
  62. https://www.decibio.com/insights/how-kkr-made-a-3x-return-in-4-years-by-investing-in-research-tools
  63. https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/corrected-banks-pile-in-on-lgcs-13bn-buyout-loan-idUSL8N29D32G/
  64. https://www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/regulatory/article/-/view/type/HTML/id/2418841
  65. https://www.astorg.com/news/astorg-and-cinven-to-acquire-lgc
  66. https://www.lgcgroup.com/news/cinven-and-astorg-to-acquire-lgc/
  67. https://tracxn.com/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-lgc/__xyLQx0n6sGp04GKAOI-pPSXpV7TOfnsBfx5VsSAlYmY
  68. https://www.lgcgroup.com/news/lgc-acquires-kova-international-inc-including-biochemical-diagnostics-inc-strengthening-its-portfolio-of-quality-measurement-tools/
  69. https://www.lgcgroup.com/news/lgc-acquires-rapid-genomics-bolstering-its-position-in-the-application-of-ngs-for-high-throughput-genotyping-market-in-agbio/
  70. https://www.lgcgroup.com/news/lgc-acquires-polydesign/
  71. https://www.lgcgroup.com/news/lgc-acquires-diamex-to-drive-innovation-and-choice-for-core-laboratory-customers/
  72. https://www.lgcgroup.com/news/lgc-acquires-the-native-antigen-company-strengthening-its-offer-to-the-ivd-sector/
  73. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lgc-acquires-seracare-life-sciences-strengthening-its-position-in-clinical-quality-control-tools-300755009.html
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