Bath-based specialist online publisher SelectScience has secured a major private equity investment and appointed a new CEO as it looks to accelerate its growth.
The firm, based at Corston, was formed in 1998 with a mission to introduce peer-to-peer and digital marketing services into the scientific industry.
It has expanded to provide vital online information to scientists around the world at the forefront of cancer research, the fight against Covid-19 and many other critical scientific fields.
Now employing 30 staff, it enables scientists around the world to better communicate about scientific products and help accelerate critical research globally.
It has also become a trusted online resource on Google. The past year has been its best so far, during which it reached an audience of more than 5m.
Coinciding with the investment by London-based Vespa Capital – financial details of which have not been disclosed – SelectScience founders Arif and Louise Butt have retired from the business, although they remain shareholders.
New CEO Kerry Parker joined SelectScience as an editorial assistant 15 years ago and worked her way up to publisher and editor-in-chief.
Kerry, pictured, said: “I am delighted to be working alongside our management team and Vespa Capital partners in order to amplify our plans, whilst continuing with our overarching mission to make the world a healthier place.”
The fast-growing company is also actively recruiting for roles across its marketing, editorial, finance and sales teams, despite the pandemic.
Vespa Capital, which focuses on lower-middle market investments and has a portfolio of companies including publishing, reviews and biopharmaceuticals, said it was attracted by SelectScience’s enviable market position serving high-quality digital marketing solutions to the industry, including the world’s top 10 manufacturers of scientific laboratory equipment.
SelectScience has also developed an extensive and expanding global audience of loyal members, who are attracted to the company’s engaging digital content such as The Scientists’ Channel, virtual events, and more.
Vespa Capital partner Matt Lyons added: “We’re delighted to join SelectScience as investment partners and are excited by the opportunity to work with Kerry and the team as they continue to build a world-class digital publishing platform servicing an attractive and niche customer group.
“The Vespa Capital portfolio already includes businesses in the pharmaceutical, digital and product reviews industries, including those supporting the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Arif and Louise Butt added: “We are delighted to announce this important news. Kerry has already been leading the impressive growth alongside our management team and, partnering with the impressive private equity company Vespa Capital, we are excited to see immense further growth of the company.
“In retiring our current positions, we are pleased to continue to support SelectScience’s success as shareholders and ambassadors.”
Arif and Louise Butt were advised by national accountancy group RSM’s merger and acquisition and private equity team alongside the Bristol office of international law firm Osborne Clarke.
Pictured below: SelectScience staff, with new CEO Kerry Parker, front row left, and founders Louise and Arif Butt, front row second-left and centre
