Oxevia Acquires Italian Lab Tech Firm Alfatest

Swedish scientific solutions provider Oxevia has finalized the acquisition of Italian analytical instrumentation and laboratory sciences firm Alfatest srl, along with its subsidiary AlfatestLab. This strategic move significantly expands Oxevia's footprint in the European scientific sector, integrating a well-regarded Italian entity known for its expertise in material characterization, nanosciences, and biosciences.

Alfatest, which distributes globally recognized brands, serves a critical role in supporting research institutions, pharmaceutical organizations, and industrial clients by providing essential tools and technical know-how. The acquisition also brings AlfatestLab, a cGMP-certified contract analysis laboratory, into the Oxevia fold. This laboratory capability enhances the group's offering by providing practical support for feasibility studies and analytical services, particularly in advanced fields like nanomedicine.

The transaction saw the divestment by Alfatest's majority shareholder, Valentino Polchi (holding 90%), and minority shareholder Alice Consuelo Soledad Brun (holding 10%). Valentino Polchi, who continues as CEO of Alfatest post-acquisition, expressed optimism about the integration. "The entry into Oxevia represents the natural next step for Alfatest," Polchi stated. "We have always believed that expertise, innovation, and support are our differentiators, and this will not change. What changes is that we now have a long-term partner behind us who shares our ambition for this sector." He assured clients and partners of continued dedication with enhanced investment capacity.

Sasha Hakami, co-founder of Oxevia, highlighted the strategic rationale behind the acquisition. "We are proud to partner with Alfatest, a highly specialized company with a consolidated position in the Italian market and deep application knowledge," Hakami commented. "Oxevia was created to bring together companies like Alfatest into a broader ecosystem, where each entity retains its identity while gaining access to shared capabilities, expertise, and market reach." This approach underscores Oxevia's strategy of building a comprehensive scientific solutions network.

Alfatest reported robust financial performance, closing its 2024 fiscal year with revenues of €26.1 million, an EBITDA of €5.4 million, and net liquidity of €4.1 million. These figures demonstrate the company's strong market standing and operational efficiency, making it an attractive asset for Oxevia's expansion plans. The acquisition aligns with broader trends in the scientific instrumentation and laboratory services market, which is experiencing steady growth driven by increased R&D spending and demand for advanced analytical solutions across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and materials science.

The deal was facilitated by significant advisory support. Alfatest was advised by EQUITA's Mid Cap Advisory team (an Italian partner of Clairfield International) for financial matters, Studio Legale Pavia e Ansaldo for legal aspects, and Studio Colamarco Nicola for tax considerations. Oxevia received legal counsel from Giovannelli e Associati Studio Legale and accounting and tax advice from Grant Thornton.