Certek Acquires Arc Pharma

We’re delighted to announce the acquisition of Arc Pharma, a UK based laboratory, specialising in batch release testing and other related services for the pharmaceutical sector.

Arc Pharma, founded in 2013 and headquartered in St Albans, has established itself as a trusted provider of laboratory testing services to small molecule medicine manufacturers importing their products into the UK. The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) imposes stringent quality standards for medicines entering the UK market and Arc Pharma has been supporting clients develop, audit and run quality testing procedures to meet these criteria for well over a decade. The company operates a GMP Certified Contract Laboratory that employs 60 people, making it one of the largest laboratories in the UK within its segment.

David Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Certek, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Arc Pharma into the Certek family. Since their inception, Arc Pharma has grown steadily into a market leader in their niche and we have been watching their progress with interest. The business is a strong strategic fit for our health and product sciences division and brings valuable capability to Certek, delivered within an impressive facility and by a high-quality management team.

Our partnership will deliver investment into new services and enhanced capacity to meet growing demand from our shared customers, all whilst retaining Arc’s commitment to the highest standards and its entrepreneurial culture, both of which have contributed to their great success thus far.”

Ayan Patel, Director of Arc Pharma, added:

“We are truly delighted that Arc Pharma is joining the Certek Group at such a pivotal moment in our company’s journey. Over many years, we’ve grown by staying deeply committed to exceptional customer care, so choosing a partner who understands and respects the way we work was very essential. Certek and Arc share the same values and approach, which made this decision a natural one.

From our very first conversation with David, Miles and the wider Certek team, their honesty, support, and straightforward communication have stood out. We are confident that the business is in excellent hands as we look ahead. Arc also aligns with Certek’s belief in trust and empowering its companies to run their operations with autonomy, this is something we value greatly.

With their backing, we will have even more opportunities to grow, innovate and continue delivering outstanding service to our customers. This new chapter is full of promise and we are genuinely excited for what lies ahead”

Arc Pharma will continue to operate under its established brand and from its St Albans headquarters, with no changes to services or client relationships.

About Arc Pharma

ARC Pharma (UK) Ltd is a GMP‑certified Contract Laboratory delivering high‑quality pharmaceutical and healthcare analytics. Our team brings long‑standing expertise across R&D, routine QC testing and complex analytical projects.

Our experienced chemists, analysts and laboratory specialists use advanced instrumentation and proven methods to provide reliable, accurate results. Ongoing investment in people and technology ensures we consistently meet the highest standards of service and scientific rigour.

Alongside pharmaceutical testing, we support diverse industries with comprehensive materials analysis, supplying the critical data needed for research, quality assurance and problem‑solving. Our goal is simple: to give clients the analytical confidence required to achieve their development, regulatory and patient‑safety objectives.

About Certek

Certek, headquartered in London, UK, Certek is an independent specialist testing, inspection, certification and compliance (TICC) services company that delivers a range of mission critical compliance services to an international client base. Certek acquires and partners with best-in-class companies in the sector and deploys a low-interruption, technology-led approach to integration and operations. Certek is passionate about growth and realising potential, and group companies are supported according to their specific opportunity set and requirements post joining Certek, with the approach being tailored to the situation at hand.

Founded in 2024, Certek comprises over 1,000 people who have technical expertise across health and materials sciences, built environment, asset integrity and inspection and governance, risk and compliance. Certek offers the combined experience and international reach of a large services company, combined with the structural agility, entrepreneurial drive and creativity you would expect from employee owned business.