Lab21 acquires NPTech Ltd and appoints corporate advisors for European M&A activity

03-27-2008: Lab21 has acquired NPTech Ltd, an independent clinical laboratory company providing diagnostic testing services for the NHS and private healthcare providers in the UK and parts of Europe. The acquisition of NPTech, in an undisclosed financial transaction, significantly broadens Lab21's range of diagnostic tests, according to the company. NPTech brings food intolerance testing; chemical and mould sensitivity testing; blood tests for a range of conditions; basic clinical chemistry; and salivary hormone testing.

Lab21 now has the ability to test for intolerances to over 100 food products and 50 chemicals including food colourings (E-numbers), antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and environmental chemicals. In addition, NPTech has multiple other diagnostic tests for a variety of clinical disorders including salivary tests for adrenal hormones, sex hormones and sleep disturbance together with a range of clinical biochemistry blood testing, particularly in the area of thyroid disease diagnosis and management. In addition to the range of tests, Lab21 will also benefit from the skills and experience of senior staff at NPTech, including Ron Turner who founded the company in 2002 and who will become Laboratory Director at Lab21.

Lab21 has also appointed, BDO Stoy Hayward LLP to lead its M&A activity in Europe. Peter Hemington, Corporate Finance Partner at BDO commented: "We are delighted to be chosen by Lab21 in pursuit of its aggressive M&A strategy for 2008 and excited to be working in the sectors of healthcare diagnostics and environmental monitoring."