Redditch Medical joins global healthcare firm

A North East-based chemical manufacturer has been acquired by a global healthcare firm.

Redditch Medical, a specialist in cleanroom contamination control solutions that is based at Sedgefield’s NETPark, in County Durham, has been bought by German healthcare company Schülke & Mayr. 

Founded in 2012 as part of the Entaco Group, Redditch Medical produces the InSpec range of cleanroom disinfectants and detergents for the life sciences sector. 

The company employs 44 staff and provides technical support, including microbiological and chemical analytics, with exports making up the majority of its turnover.

Bosses at schülke, a global leader in infection prevention and control for the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, say the deal will strengthen its ability to provide cleanroom solutions across European and international markets.

Jan-Dirk Auris, chief executive of schülke, said: “Redditch Medical brings deep expertise in sterile cleanroom solutions that perfectly complements our life science portfolio. 

“This acquisition is a decisive step forward in our mission to protect lives worldwide.”

The deal marks a successful exit for Leeds-based Traditum Private Equity, which invested in the business in early 2024 and achieved a significant return.

Traditum’s backing supported a management buy-out led by Redditch Medical managing director Steve Brown and helped fund growth initiatives. 

Investments included strengthening the management team, expanding operational capacity, launching new product lines and opening an in-house laboratory. 

These measures drove significant sales growth in both domestic and export markets.

Steve, who will remain with Redditch Medical under its new ownership, ensuring continuity for staff and customers, added: “Joining schülke is a great opportunity for our team and our customers. 

“We share a common vision of quality, safety and innovation, and we look forward to contributing to schülke’s mission.”

As part of the deal, Traditum will retain a stake in Entaco’s other divisions in Worcestershire, which manufacture surgical needles and medical devices. 

David Mitchell, chief executive of Traditum, added: “Redditch Medical shows how strong leadership and supportive investors can unlock the potential of a business. 

“Under Steve’s direction and with Traditum’s support, it has undergone a remarkable transformation in a little over a year. 

“Becoming part of schülke will open up new opportunities as it enters the next stage of its growth journey.”

Convex Corporate Finance, Claritas Tax and Mills & Reeves advised Traditum on the sale.

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