A majority stake in Cambridge Graphene Ltd., a spin-out company from the University of Cambridge, has been acquired by Versarien plc.
Cambridge Graphene develops inks based on graphene and related materials using processes developed at the Cambridge Graphene Centre. The spin-out company has commercialised graphene inks for novel technology applications.
Versarien, headquartered in Cheltenham, is an engineering solutions company that delivers novel technologies for industrial applications. Through subsidiary companies, Versarien delivers targeted solutions as well as research and development into new, complementary technologies. The acquisition of Cambridge Graphene positions Versarien at the centre of the commercial development of graphene both in the UK and globally.
The ultimate goal of the Cambridge Graphene Centre is to help transition graphene and related materials from the lab to the factory floor. This investment shows that we are on the right path and we are thrilled to have Versarien join, via Cambridge Graphene Ltd., our growing list of industrial partners.
Prof Andrea Ferrari, Director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre
Cambridge Graphene was founded as a spin-out of the Cambridge Graphene Centre. The mission of the Cambridge Graphene Centre is to investigate the science and technology of graphene and other carbon allotropes, layered crystals and hybrid nanomaterials. This engineering innovation centre allows partners to meet and establish joint industrial-academic activities to promote innovative and adventurous research with an emphasis on applications.
2-DTech, a spin-out enterprise from the University of Manchester, is an existing subsidiary of Versarien which also focuses on graphene-related technologies. Both the University of Cambridge and the University of Manchester are centres for excellence in graphene technology.
Following the acquisition of Cambridge Graphene, both Universities will be ultimate shareholders in Versarien, with the expertise of both universities enhancing the company’s ability to pursue the market opportunities for graphene both in the UK and internationally.
Mark Shepherd, CEO of Cambridge Graphene said “This is an exciting development for Cambridge Graphene and will bring significant benefit to both companies, enhancing the prospects of technology developed at Cambridge Graphene, and Versarien as a whole. Cambridge Graphene brings novel graphene technology and expertise to Versarien and will benefit from Versarien's manufacturing capabilities and broader reach.”
Neill Ricketts, CEO of Versarien, said “We are delighted with the acquisition of Cambridge Graphene and the opportunities it brings us. This addition to our existing graphene operations and in particular, 2-DTech, which we acquired from Manchester University in April 2014, bridges the gap between the two centres of excellence for graphene and between them really puts us at the centre of the graphene universe"
Prof Andrea Ferrari, Director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre, said: “The ultimate goal of the Cambridge Graphene Centre is to help transition graphene and related materials from the lab to the factory floor. This investment shows that we are on the right path and we are thrilled to have Versarien join, via Cambridge Graphene Ltd., our growing list of industrial partners”.
Cambridge Enterprise, the commercialisation arm of the University, have supported Cambridge Graphene and their graphene ink technologies since the company’s founding. Dr Margaret Wilkinson, Technology Manager at Cambridge Enterprise, said: “We are pleased to see further commercial activity from the Cambridge Graphene Centre. We look forward to working with Versarien and we hope the acquisition will lead to exciting future developments and commercial opportunities”.
About Versarien
Versarien plc (AIM:VRS), is an advanced engineering materials group. Leveraging proprietary technology, the Group creates innovative engineering solutions for its clients in a diverse range of industries. Versarien has four subsidiaries operating under two divisions:
Thermal and Hard Wear Products
Versarien Technologies Ltd. which owns the exclusive rights to a patent-protected additive process for creating advanced micro-porous metals targeting the thermal management industry and manufactures extruded aluminium heat sinks for the electronics and computing industries. www.versarien-technologies.co.uk
Total Carbide Ltd, a leading manufacturer in sintered tungsten carbide for applications in arduous environments such as the oil and gas industry. www.totalcarbide.com
Graphene and Plastics
2-DTech Ltd, which specialises in the supply, characterisation and early stage development of graphene products. www.2-dtech.com
ACC Cyroma Ltd, which specialises in the supply of vacuum-formed and injection-moulded products to the automotive, construction, utilities and retail industry sectors. Using Versarien's existing graphene manufacturing capabilities, AAC will have the ability to produce graphene-enhanced plastic products. www.aaccyroma.co.uk
About Cambridge Graphene
Cambridge Graphene Ltd. was established to exploit novel graphene manufacturing processes and related technologies developed at the Cambridge Graphene Centre, University of Cambridge. The company capabilities include the formulation and manufacture of aqueous or solvent based graphene inks suitable for a wide range of printing processes and substrates and applications. For more information please visit www.cambridgegraphene.com
About Cambridge Enterprise
A wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Enterprise Limited is responsible for the commercialisation of University intellectual property. It provides access to early stage capital through the Cambridge Enterprise Seed Funds, University of Cambridge Enterprise Funds and Cambridge Enterprise Venture Partners, and offers business planning, mentoring and related programmes. Activities include management and licensing of intellectual property and patents, proof of concept funding and support for University staff and research groups wishing to provide expert advice or facilities to public and private sector organisations. For more information, please visit: www.enterprise.cam.ac.uk