Forsite Diagnostics of Sand Hutton, York, has been acquired by Abingdon Health Ltd, a move which brings specialist development and manufacturing capabilities into the Abingdon Group. 

Purchase of the majority shareholding will strengthen Forsite’s position as a manufacturer of rapid diagnostic tests for the healthcare markets, and bring new opportunities in international markets.

Speaking after the deal had been signed, Abingdon Health’s chief executive Dr Chris Hand was delighted with the move, commenting; ‘Forsite brings exciting new strengths to the Abingdon Group, allowing us to meet market demand for new products more rapidly.  To have one of the most advanced diagnostic manufacturing facilities in the UK as part of the group is a major building block for our long term plans of capturing value from advances in healthcare diagnostics.’

Established in 2007 as a spin-out from the Government’s then Central Science Laboratory (now the Food and Environment Research Agency), Forsite has built an international reputation as a high quality provider of diagnostic development and manufacturing services.

Emphasis now is on building further the development and production capabilities at the Sand Hutton site to cope with increasing demand for rapid diagnostics.  ‘We are looking forward to working more closely with other companies in the Abingdon Group and exploiting areas of mutual interest.  Having the backing of the highly experienced Abingdon team, and its reputation in rapid tests will be a major boost to our position in the market’, added Chris Danks.