Scantox, backed by Impilo, acquires QPS Neuro, a leading neuropharmacology division of QPS Austria GmbH. This transformative move enhances Scantox’s drug discovery platform, bolstering CNS research capabilities and expanding services in rare diseases. QPS Neuro’s high-quality scientific services in neurodegenerative and mental disorders merge with Scantox’s offerings. The sustainability-linked loan obtained underlines Scantox’s commitment to sustainability. Advisors such as Lincoln International and EY played pivotal roles in facilitating the acquisition.
Today Scantox, together with its majority owner Impilo, has agreed to acquire the neuropharmacology division of QPS Austria GmbH (“QPS Neuro” or “the Company”) ultimately owned by QPS Holdings LLC. QPS Neuro is a leading drug discovery Contract Research Organization (CRO) that specializes in neurodegenerative, rare diseases and mental disorders. The Company is well recognized for its high quality services that are deeply scientifically rooted and has an undisputed track-record of serving a loyal and broad customer base globally. This transformational acquisition will expand Scantox’s value chain coverage and reposition its existing drug discovery platform significantly with unique and market leading central nervous system (CNS) research capabilities.
Founded in 1999, QPS Neuro has a long history of developing expertise within lead-optimization services and efficacy studies. The Company has a 2,700 m2 state-of-the-art facility in Grambach, Austria, and employs more than 80 employees. With on-site availability of validated transgenic and non-transgenic in-vitro and in-vivo models, QPS Neuro addresses multiple targets within the growing CNS area and represents a unique partner for biotech and pharma companies in their drug development process.
“The acquisition of QPS Neuro is meaningfully changing our lead optimization platform and expands the depth and breadth of our discovery services in the CNS and rare disease area. We see a strong fit with the Scantox organization and are deeply impressed with the dedicated management team, its staff and R&D efforts focused on providing an enhanced level of service and scientific excellence to their clients.” says Jeanet Løgsted, CEO of Scantox.
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Manuela Prokesch, Director of QPS Neuro, continues: “This is a unique opportunity for us to join a preclinical market leader, known for their high quality and customer centric approach. We are looking forward to leveraging the synergies across the Scantox organization while continuing to deliver the best customized solutions to our clients.”
QPS Neuro will continue its operations as part of the Scantox group. The combined company will have more than 300 employees across six sites offering discovery models including neuropharmacology research services, regulatory toxicology and CMC/analytical services.
Nicholas Hooge, Partner at Impilo, concludes, “This is a transformational acquisition for Scantox that broadens its service offering and customer reach significantly. We are thrilled to welcome the QPS Neuro team into the Scantox group and see significant growth opportunities for the combined business going forward. As demonstrated by this acquisition, Impilo continues to have strong conviction in the broader pre-clinical market and look forward to continuing working with the enlarged group to further expand its service offering and to strengthen its position globally.”
Sustainability-linked loan
As part of the transaction, Scantox has successfully signed a sustainability-linked loan in collaboration with Nordea and Nykredit. The loan reflects the company’s proactive approach to integrating sustainable practices into its commercial strategy.
Advisors
Lincoln International is serving as corporate finance advisor to Scantox, EY is serving as its financial and tax advisor, L.E.K. Consulting as its commercial advisor and Accura together with DORDA are serving as its legal counsel. Perella Weinberg Partners is serving as financial advisor to QPS Holdings, KPMG is serving as its tax advisor and Ropes & Gray together with Wolf Theiss are serving as its legal counsel.
Source: Bio Space
