Aptamer Group, based in York, specialises in the provision of aptamer discovery selection services and the development of aptamer-based reagents. It develops molecular binders, called aptamers, as an alternative to antibodies – for use in research, diagnostics and therapeutics.

Reed Smith advised Spark in its role as nominated adviser and Liberum as sole broker and sole bookrunner to Aptamer Group, which successfully raised gross proceeds of £10.8 million as part of a fundraise conducted simultaneously with Admission.

The Reed Smith team advising on the listing was led in London by Global Corporate Group partner James Wilkinson, supported by associates Fiona McFarlane, Kat McGriskin, Heidi Paget-Brown, Roxana Burghel, and trainee James Wilkes-Green. With additional support from labour & employment counsel Carl de Cicco, tech & data partner Philip Thomas, and intellectual property partner Jonathan Radcliffe.

Wilkinson said: “We are delighted to have advised Spark and Liberum on the AIM admission for Aptamer. Spark and Liberum are highly active on the AIM market, supporting early stage growth companies seeking capital and profile through a London listing. We were able to provide our considerable experience of the AIM admission process for companies in this sector to support Spark and Liberum and to ensure the successful listing of Aptamer.”

Reed Smith’s capital markets lawyers regularly advise clients on a variety of domestic and cross-border capital-raising transactions. With capital markets lawyers in major financial centres around the world, the firm is well-positioned to help businesses of all sizes and in a wide variety of industries.