LONDON, July 6, 2022 – Argenta, the only combined global contract research organization (CRO) and contract development & manufacturing organization (CDMO) dedicated to animal health, announced today that it has agreed to acquire Barcelona-based regulatory affairs consultancy Pen & Tec. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval but is estimated to be completed in a month's time.

The acquisition, which is part of Argenta’s ambitious growth strategy, expands the company’s regulatory capabilities into feed and food additives, providing access to new clients and growing its geographical footprint into Southern Europe. The deal also provides Pen & Tec’s clients with access to a broader range of services and long-term continuity to help get their products to market.

Pen & Tec was founded in 2000 to support companies in the food and animal feed industries to navigate the growing complexity of food chain legislation and increasingly stringent and constantly evolving regulatory requirements in Europe. Its 25+ team members help clients take food and feed products to market faster and offer strategic advice on optimising return on investment from existing product portfolios.

Pen & Tec’s current management team will  remain in their roles. Founder Elinor McCartney will continue to be an integral part of the technical team for the coming 12 months. As a new business unit within Argenta, Pen & Tec will remain located in and operate from Barcelona.‍

Will Downie, CEO of Argenta, said: “Pen & Tec’s expertise in feed and food is well-recognized in the industry. We are very excited about the combined expertise of Argenta and Pen & Tec in the animal health market. This powerful combination will provide tremendous value for customers around the globe."‍

The combined business will offer clients a wide range of global capabilities and product development services, with the Argenta and Pen & Tec teams working in partnership with customers to stimulate innovation in the feed and food business. Pen & Tec will particularly complement Argenta's regulatory services teams based in Germany and the United States, offering an unmatched level of expertise.

Elinor McCartney, founder of Pen & Tec, said: “Becoming part of Argenta provides our clients with access to a full range of services and solutions to get their products to market, and guarantees long-term business continuity for our customers as well as attractive career development opportunities for our global employee base and future talent. I am eager to continue our legacy as part of Argenta and am confident in a bright future together.”‍

Argenta was advised on the transaction by Stonehaven Consulting AG, a global consulting firm focused on animal health. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

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About Argenta

Founded in 2006 in New Zealand, Argenta’s talented, diverse and committed employees work on a daily basis to deliver excellence in animal health to customers around the world. With research and GMP manufacturing operations in New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, Argenta holds a unique position as the only combined global contract research organization (CRO) and contract development & manufacturing organization (CDMO) specialized in animal health. Argenta operates from “Molecule to Market” in partnership with customers of all sizes from all corners of the world, supporting their Research & Development, clinical research, regulatory, scale up and manufacturing needs along their product development journey. For more information about Argenta, please visit www.argentaglobal.com

About Pen & Tec

Founded in 2000 to meet the needs of companies faced with the growing complexity of food chain legislation and increasingly stringent requirements for regulatory submissions in the EU, Pen & Tec helps its clients take their products to market faster and offers strategies on optimising returns from existing product portfolios. With over 20 years' experience supporting clients on food and animal feed registration, Pen & Tec’s multi-disciplinary team provide the most accurate and up-to-date advice. Based in Barcelona, Spain, Pen & Tec has expanded its global reach by increasing its network of associates, offering regulatory services for food and feed products in other leading global markets such as the USA, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, India, and Brazil. For more information on Pen & Tec, please visit www.pentec-consulting.eu

Media Contact:

Annemieke de Keijzer
+1 732-439-3446
globalcommunications@argentaglobal.com

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