Quotient Sciences is a leading provider of research and development services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers around the world.

Dedicated to accelerating the development of new drugs for patients, its services include formulation development, clinical pharmacology and both clinical and commercial manufacturing services.

With over 850 staff based in state-of-the-art manufacturing and clinical facilities in the US and the UK, Quotient’s vision is to transform drug development with science and innovation to accelerate the delivery of new medicines.

Translational Pharmaceutics® is the company’s novel approach to drug development, which reduces costs and shortens timelines by integrating formulation development, real-time adaptive Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and clinical research for the continuous improvement of development programmes. On the back of Translational Pharmaceutics®, Quotient has grown significantly in recent years, and now generates annual revenues in excess of £100m.

As the next step in its impressive growth journey, Quotient planned to broaden its core services as well as expand its formulation development and manufacturing capabilities. To facilitate this, the company undertook a sale process of a majority stake to a company backed by Permira Funds. Pemberton, a key partner to Quotient already, remained in situ to support that growth plan under Permira’s new ownership.

Pemberton already knew Quotient well, having provided a Term Loan in support of GHO Capital’s acquisition of the business in 2016. Following that transaction, Pemberton provided incremental capital in support of Quotient’s M&A and capex strategy between 2017 and 2018. When it came to the sale to Permira, Pemberton was closely involved in the entire process, initially working together with previous owner, GHO, and management to understand its priorities in the future capital structure under new ownership.

The Quotient credit story is far from straightforward, having expanded both its geographic presence and breadth of services. Pemberton’s familiarity with the company enabled the team to provide expert views as an existing lender with prospective bidders.

Ultimately, Pemberton was able to offer a “staple” financing, providing a certainty that supported the sale process. Once approved, the Pemberton team was able to turn around the financing documentation very swiftly, aiding an efficient transaction. Critically, Pemberton was able to provide the entire debt package for the sale, including ample flexibility around acquisitions to support further growth.