Abcam acquires Ascent Scientific, a specialist provider of biochemicals

September 13, 2011: Abcam plc, is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement to acquire Ascent Scientific Ltd, a specialist provider of biochemical reagents. The acquisition extends Abcam’s product portfolio into small molecules and is in line with the Company’s vision of becoming the world’s leading supplier of protein research tools.

Ascent Scientific has a diverse and rapidly growing range of over 400 bioactive small molecules, manufactured both in-house and through outsourcing. A specialist production and analytical facility is based in Bristol, UK, which also serves as the primary distribution outlet and customer support base. Their products are used by life science researchers for modulating the function of proteins.

The product range will be integrated into Abcam’s website and available through authorized distributors by early 2012.

Commenting on the announcement Jonathan Milner, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Ascent Scientific has built an excellent reputation as a provider of high quality biochemical products and has been quick to bring new, best-in-class reagents to market backed by specialist technical support, which is very much in line with Abcam’s ethos. Many Abcam customers are already using bioactive small molecules in their research so Ascent Scientific’s range of reagents is a great complement to our existing catalogue of protein research tools.“

“By becoming part of Abcam, Ascent Scientific will benefit from our proven eCommerce model and global market reach. I look forward to welcoming its talented employees into the Abcam team and making its existing and pipeline products available to our customers.”

About Ascent Scientific

Ascent Scientific was a privately held biochemical company headquartered in Bristol (UK) who produced and distributed receptor ligands for use by academic researchers. Ligands are substances which bind to proteins, often regulating their function or activity. Ascent Scientific products are used by life science researchers working in academia, pharmaceutical and chemical related industries.

Ascent Scientific was founded in 2005 with the mission of progressing scientific research by providing high quality products supported by expert customer support. Their UK office houses production and analytical facilities, as well as Marketing, Business Development and administrative functions. Their management team has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and chemistry related industries.

For further information contact:

Abcam: +44 (0) 1223 696000

Ascent Scientific