Velaris acquires Markes International to expand its automated sample preparation capabilities
The company joins the Velaris family of existing brands – Skalar Analytical, LCTech, PromoChrom, EST Analytical, GERSTEL and TE Instruments
Velaris, a platform of laboratory-automation brands backed by global investment firm Battery Ventures, announced the acquisition of Markes International from strategic investor Schauenburg International and its founders Alun Cole and Elizabeth Woolfenden.
Markes, founded in 1997, in Bridgend, Wales is a recognised global provider of specialist analytical technologies that enhance the sensitivity, separation and interpretive power of gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC–MS).
Through complementary strengths in sample preparation, sample introduction, advanced chromatographic separation, mass spectrometry and data processing, Markes International supports laboratories worldwide addressing increasingly complex analytical challenges across environmental, food, security, industrial and life science end markets. Working with their distribution channels, Markes enables a generation of reliable, high-quality data and deeper analytical insight to support informed decision-making in demanding scientific and regulatory environments.
Joining Velaris’ existing brands, Markes provides a complementary product offering for commercial, academic and government laboratories worldwide. The strength of the company in Europe and North America together with local assembly in China will enhance Velaris’ presence and greatly expand regional sales and service capabilities.
“Markes has built a strong position through innovation, technical excellence and the dedication of our talented teams earning the trust of customers worldwide. Joining the Velaris family marks an important milestone in our journey, creating a compelling platform to work alongside a group of complementary businesses and expand our capabilities. This combination strengthens our ability to support our customers and the markets we serve, while creating meaningful development opportunities for our people,” said Nigel Fry, CEO of Markes International.
"Markes is recognised worldwide as a leading global designer and manufacturer of advanced, high performance analytical instrumentation and software for challenging GC & GC–MS analyses, and this is an excellent extension of Velaris’ market leadership," said Amod Kher, CEO of Velaris. "The brand represents technical leadership in thermal desorption and adjacent separation technologies and is committed to providing the best products and application support to end users. We look forward to working with the management and associates of Markes as we build on the strong foundation that it has established in this attractive growth market."
“As we approach three years since our initial investment in Skalar Analytical, we are pleased to see the various acquisitions come together to form a cohesive group under the Velaris brand,” said Zack Smotherman, a Battery general partner who serves on Velaris’ board. “We are excited to add Markes to Velaris as we continue building a unified portfolio of complementary analytical instrumentation and automated sample preparation technologies and believe the reorganisation under the Velaris brand will help simplify the story by aligning our offerings by end markets.”
Velina Allerkamp, Co-CEO of Schauenburg International said, “we are extremely glad to see Markes International become part of the leading platform for laboratory automation Velaris. During the last 13 years of partnership, Markes has delivered breakthrough innovation and expanded its global footprint significantly. We wish Velaris all the best as they continue the journey and thank the founders Elizabeth Woolfenden and Alun Cole for over a decade of great partnership.”
Proud of Markes’ success, Founders Alun Cole and Elizabeth Woolfenden wholeheartedly agree. Speaking earlier today Elizabeth said, “it has been an immense privilege to have worked alongside so many wonderful people over the years. Velaris values and shares Markes’ passion for technical innovation, expertise and customer support and becoming part of this group is the best possible next step for the business. We wish Nigel and the whole team every success.”
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Gas chromatography is an essential method in analytical chemistry for the separation and analysis of volatile compounds. Due to its high resolution and sensitivity, it has become firmly established in areas such as environmental analysis, food chemistry or forensic science. GC provides precise and reliable results and enables deep insights into the chemical composition of samples.
Topic world Gas chromatography
Gas chromatography is an essential method in analytical chemistry for the separation and analysis of volatile compounds. Due to its high resolution and sensitivity, it has become firmly established in areas such as environmental analysis, food chemistry or forensic science. GC provides precise and reliable results and enables deep insights into the chemical composition of samples.
Topic World Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry enables us to detect and identify molecules and reveal their structure. Whether in chemistry, biochemistry or forensics - mass spectrometry opens up unexpected insights into the composition of our world. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mass spectrometry!
Topic World Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry enables us to detect and identify molecules and reveal their structure. Whether in chemistry, biochemistry or forensics - mass spectrometry opens up unexpected insights into the composition of our world. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mass spectrometry!