A large employer near Macclesfield has been acquired by a company from Denmark.

Gentronix, an Alderley Park-based firm who specialist in genetic toxicology, has been acquired by Scantox Group.

Founded in 1999 by Prof. Richard Walmsely, Gentronix employs close to 70 employees after a significant scale-up over the past five years.

Gentronix already had plenty to celebrate of late, before the acquisition.

In 2024, they reported a 239% growth of earnings over the past three years, and received Royal Recognition.

This year is also their 25th anniversary. Furthermore, Gentronix opened a brand new lab last year, which saw a significant increase in the number of jobs they provide.

New parent firm Scantox said in a statement: "Today Scantox, together with its majority owner Impilo, finalised the acquisition of Gentronix Ltd, a UK based GLP compliant genetic toxicology Contract Research Organisation ("CRO").

"Gentronix, now integrated into Scantox Group, is well recognised for its high-quality genetic toxicology services and strong scientific engagement, with an undisputed track record of serving a loyal and broad global customer base. With the acquisition of Gentronix, Scantox's service platform expands significantly to meet client demands as a market leading CRO to support pre-IND enabling studies. 

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"For 25 years, Gentronix has provided genetic toxicology solutions to the global pharma, biotech and agrichem industries; enabling clients to optimise their development programs by enabling early identification of genotoxic compounds and supporting late-stage development phases with GLP studies. Gentronix offers a comprehensive portfolio of screening and regulatory genotoxicity assays and services, not least the OECD 488 Big Blue® Transgenic Rodent Mutation assay, as one of only three global providers."

Gentronix also has expertise and services within ocular and skin toxicology endpoints.

Jeanet Løgsted, CEO of Scantox Group said "I am thrilled that Scantox Group has been able to partner up with Gentronix. Genetic toxicology is a missing link in our portfolio and frequently requested by our clients to become a one-stop-shop premier CRO partner.

"Gentronix´s service line, client base, high quality standards and not least people culture fits perfectly with our DNA. Our business plan is to continuously expand our service portfolio across all sites and add scientific excellence to the Group."

Gentronix Ltd will continue to operate under the current company name, expanding its service offering within specialist regulatory toxicology. With this acquisition the Scantox Group will employ more than 400 people across seven European sites offering first in class lead optimisation, regulatory toxicology and CMC (Chemical, Manufacturing, Controls), formulation and analytical services.

Matt Tate, CEO of Gentronix, added: "Becoming a part of Scantox Group is a fantastic next step for Gentronix, opening up unique possibilities for us to offer an even greater service portfolio to our clients.

"As an organisation we look forward to collaborating with our new colleagues and continuing to support the delivery of world-leading contract research services to our customers. There is a strong strategic rationale in teaming up with Scantox and we have identified multiple commercial synergies."