Released: Wednesday 11th January 2012

BioCity Scotland Ltd secures former MSD research site

Scotland’s life sciences sector receives a major boost today with the announcement that newly-formed BioCity Scotland Limited has acquired the former-MSD research facility at Newhouse in order to develop a dedicated base in central Scotland for growing bioscience, pharmaceutical, med tech and healthcare companies.

This joint venture between BioCity Nottingham and Roslin BioCentre has been enabled by the generous gifting of the site to BioCity Scotland by MSD (operating in the US and Canada as Merck & Co).

The agreement unlocks over 130,000 sq ft of purpose-built laboratories and offices on the 23 acre site capable of supporting pre-clinical drug discovery and development by a range of independent, ambitious companies. In addition there are administrative and conference facilities to provide support and networking capabilities for the client companies.

The rejuvenated site will complement the existing provision of space for life science firms in Scotland by catering for growing companies wanting a central base on the M8 just 15 miles from Glasgow and 33 miles from Edinburgh. In addition to over 130,000 sq ft of pharma-quality fully-fitted laboratory and office space, BioCity Scotland provides access to a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment, available to rent at very competitive rates. On site business support will ensure that companies are able to tap into a developed support system and funding opportunities to assist their growing business needs.

Speaking at the announcement of the deal, BioCity Scotland, Chairman Louis J. Nisbet said: “BioCity Scotland is much more than a property proposition – it will be a unique, vibrant community of scientific companies. Just a short drive from Scotland’s two largest cities, it is ideally situated to attract the cream of life science talent. BioCity Nottingham’s success in nurturing and growing over 70 new companies since 2003, and Roslin’s expertise in life sciences innovation and facilities management makes this team the perfect commercial partnership. The work starts now, the prospects are boundless.”

News of the deal adds further weight to Scotland’s claim to being a major centre for life sciences and at the forefront of drug discovery and commercialisation. The 2010 Scottish Life Sciences Strategy seeks to create a strong environment in which to build a critical mass of growing world-class firms led by highly-skilled scientists.
Chris Hill, MSD Vice President and the former Head of MSD’s Newhouse facility, said: "This is a fantastic outcome for the Life Sciences community in Scotland. We are delighted to have secured such an accomplished investor and a viable and exciting future for the site in such a short period of time. The ongoing commercial operation of the site will attract investment to the local area generating employment opportunities for local communities and the success of this development will play a significant role in securing the future of Life Sciences in Scotland.”
North Lanarkshire Council has been very supportive of the deal, and will continue working with the new owners on several emerging projects. Councillor Jim McCabe, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The council’s regeneration and infrastructure service has been heavily involved in helping to make this a reality and it reaffirms my belief that North Lanarkshire is a great place to invest in and do business.”

Potential tenants, university representatives and organisations interested in becoming involved with BioCity Scotland should make contact via the website www.biocity-scotland.co.uk

ENDS
Media briefing documents available at www.biocity-scotland.co.uk

Media contacts
BioCity Scotland:
(Scottish media) Greg Russell, Integra Communications: 07889 404933 greg.russell@integracommunications.co.uk
(UK/International media) Louise Third, Integra Communications: 07773 288342/ 0115 912 4350 louise@integracommunications.co.uk

MSD:
Meral Nugent
Communications manager
MSD UK
Tel 01992 452358, Mob 07884 232042.
meral.nugent@merck.com

About BioCity Scotland
www.biocity-scotland.co.uk

About BioCity Nottingham Ltd
BioCity Nottingham Ltd has developed and operates one of the largest bioscience incubators in Europe. Home to around 70 early-stage businesses it is a hot-bed of entrepreneurial activity in the sector. As well as providing very flexible laboratory and office facilities, BioCity Nottingham is able to provide on-site a whole range of non-core but vital services to businesses which would otherwise be costly and inefficient for them to develop in-house. This ensures that companies with BioCity Nottingham have maximum opportunity for success and investors see the most efficient use of their funds. For more information go to www.biocity.co.uk
About Roslin BioCentre
Roslin BioCentre, located on the south side of Edinburgh and at the heart of the ‘Edinburgh Science Triangle’, is owned by the Roslin Foundation and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). It is home to a thriving Life Scientific community, reflected by the wide range of flourishing commercial and academic organisations based on site. Whilst able to meet the needs and business demands of the largest occupiers, Roslin BioCentre is also focussed on providing support and solutions to help energetic and vibrant new businesses grow. For more information visit www.roslinbiocentre.co.uk
About MSD
Today's MSD is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. MSD is a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programmes and partnerships. For more information, visit www.msd.com or www.msd-uk.co.uk.