Stratech acquisition signals further expansion for Europa Biosite

Acquisition of the Ely-based firm, specialising in high-quality research reagents and with extensive supplier partnerships will significantly expands Europa Biosite’s UK product offering, said CEO Tim Hiddemann.

He described the purchase as “an important strategic step” for his company, adding:

“Integrating Stratech Scientific’s established product lines and customer relationships with Cambridge Bioscience reinforces our market leading position in the UK.

“It directly aligns with our ambition to offer the most comprehensive life science reagent portfolio in Europe and to be the partner of choice for suppliers and researchers.”

In a statement, Europa Biosite said the move would broaden its subsidiary’s reach across academic and biopharma research communities in the UK.

Cambridge Bioscience would now boast an expanded life science product catalogue, with broader national customer coverage, reaching more academic institutions, biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical partners.

In addition, the larger UK commercial platform would provide greater opportunities for existing and new global suppliers, said the statement.

Europa Biosite already operates an extensive network of research and diagnostic distributors across the continent.

This includes Biomol GmbH in Germany, LubioScience in Switzerland, Nordic BioSite AB in the Nordics, Sanbio BV in Benelux and Szabo-Scandic in Austria.

Its strategy is based upon an ambitious M&A?driven growth which will continue after the UK acquisition, said Hiddemann.

“Expanding our reach and strengthening supplier relationships across key European markets remains a central objective for 2026,” he stated.

Stratech Scientific MD Sue Hallett welcomed the purchase of the company she has led for more than four decades:

“After 43 years leading Stratech Scientific, I am delighted to announce that we have joined Europa Biosite. Stratech Scientific and Cambridge Bioscience have grown in parallel for decades, sharing the same commitment to enabling scientific discovery,” she said.

“By combining our portfolios and customer reach with Cambridge Bioscience, we will create expanded opportunities for our suppliers while providing our customers with access to a broader range of products and an even stronger level of service.”

Founded in 1983, Stratech Scientific has supported UK research in immunology, cell biology, cancer, neuroscience and genomics, with its early customers including the John Innes Centre in Norwich, specialising in plant and microbial science.