We’re pleased to have supported BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor, in completing its £15 million investment into Seda Pharma Development Services – an integrated contract research, development and manufacturing organisation (CRDMO).
Headquartered in Greater Manchester, Seda provides end-to-end pharmaceutical development services, supporting companies from early-stage drug development through the clinical phases to registration.
The company has delivered more than 1,000 projects for 185 customers since inception in 2015, serving a growing international client base.
BGF’s investment comes at a time of sustained expansion in the global pharmaceutical outsourcing market, as biotech and pharmaceutical companies increasingly seek integrated partners capable of streamlining development timelines, reducing regulatory risk and supporting the manufacture of complex medicines.
In 2023, Seda invested £8 million installing a manufacturing capability in a 50,000 sq ft leasehold facility at Cheadle Royal Business Park. With BGF’s backing alongside new debt facilities from Santander, the business will acquire the freehold of the facility, securing long term control of this strategically important manufacturing asset.
The investment, alongside BGF’s value creation support, will also support international expansion, strengthen business development capability and fund further investment in manufacturing capacity and development capability, positioning Seda for its next phase of growth.
Our Private Equity team – led by Partner David Mkhitarian, Legal Director Olivia Jones and Associate Becky Davies – provide integrated support to BGF on the investment alongside our Banking (Alasdair MacKinnon and Jessica Hartland) and Real Estate (Darren Hamer, Jon Pearson-Basudev and Natasha Bradley) teams.
This is a significant milestone for both BGF and Seda, bringing long term investment into a business that has established itself as a leading force in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. It’s been a privilege to support BGF on a transaction that underpins Seda’s continued growth and strengthens an important life sciences asset for the region. Delivering this deal drew on the strength of our integrated approach, with Private Equity, Banking and Real Estate specialists working seamlessly together to provide co ordinated advice across every aspect of the investment.Olivia Jones
Legal Director at Hill Dickinson
Harry Jones, Partner at BGF, said: “Seda operates in a fast growing, innovation-led market where integrated development and manufacturing capability is increasingly critical. The company has built a differentiated proposition underpinned by scientific depth, regulatory expertise and a loyal customer base. We are looking forward to working with Paul and the team to support their ambitious international growth plans.”
Olivia Jones, Legal Director at Hill Dickinson, said: “This is a significant milestone for both BGF and Seda, bringing long term investment into a business that has established itself as a leading force in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. It’s been a privilege to support BGF on a transaction that underpins Seda’s continued growth and strengthens an important life sciences asset for the region. Delivering this deal drew on the strength of our integrated approach, with Private Equity, Banking and Real Estate specialists working seamlessly together to provide co ordinated advice across every aspect of the investment.”