Proquinorte
Proquinorte S.A. is a Spanish family-owned laboratory materials and equipment distributor serving clinical, research, and industrial customers across Spain, Portugal, and France via its own PQN Essentials, Hoopbio, and Hermes brands and long-standing partnerships with Eppendorf, Agilent, Ohaus, and Merck.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1965
- HeadquartersZamudio, Spain
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Proquinorte does
Proquinorte S.A. is a Spanish family-owned laboratory materials and equipment distributor founded in 1965 by Patxi Xabier Gaztelu in the Basque Country and now led by his son Txabi (Xabier) Gaztelu, who assumed leadership in 2013. The company distributes products from major international brands including Eppendorf, Agilent, Ohaus, Merck, Revvity, and Assay Genie, alongside its own proprietary brands PQN Essentials, Hoopbio, and Hermes. Its customer base spans 12+ verticals including clinical/hospital laboratories, universities and research institutions, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, cosmetics, petrochemicals, and environmental testing, with public hospital contracts for cancer diagnosis (since 2012) and a leading position in COVID-19 PCR supply in Spain (2020) as anchor relationships.
The business operates through a B2B e-commerce platform with PunchOut integration for corporate procurement systems, multi-language support (Spanish, English, Portuguese), account-based pricing with client codes, and a Technical Assistance Service (SAT) covering claims, incidents, and post-sale equipment support. Go-to-market combines the online storefront with a direct field sales organization covering all Spanish regions since 2013, plus a Technical Office handling budgets and public competitions. Distribution agreements include a long-standing relationship with Hewlett Packard (now Agilent) dating to 1990 for GC/HPLC chromatography and an LLG (European laboratory equipment purchasing center) partnership signed in 2005.
Revenue is generated primarily through one-time hardware sales (centrifuges, balances, moisture analyzers, pipettes) and consumable sales (plastics, gloves, reagents, ELISA kits) under both distributed and own brands. The company employs 80+ people at its headquarters in the Bizkaia Technology Park, Zamudio (Spain), and operates regional branches in Portugal and France opened in 2021 as its first international expansion. The company is incorporated as a Sociedad Anónima (S.A.), is privately held, and has no disclosed institutional investors or parent company.
Proquinorte firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Proquinorte
- Legal name
- PROQUINORTE S.A.
- Website
- https://proquinorte.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1965
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Proquinorte S.A. is a Spanish family-owned laboratory materials and equipment distributor serving clinical, research, and industrial customers across Spain, Portugal, and France via its own PQN Essentials, Hoopbio, and Hermes brands and long-standing partnerships with Eppendorf, Agilent, Ohaus, and Merck.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Proquinorte is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Zamudio
- HQ country
- Spain
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Proquinorte business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Laboratory Equipment Distribution: Proquinorte distributes laboratory equipment including centrifuges (Eppendorf), moisture analyzers and balances (Ohaus), and other scientific instruments. The company has established distribution agreements with major manufacturers.
- Laboratory Consumables and Supplies: Sale of laboratory consumables including plasticware, gloves, filter tips, centrifuge tubes, reagents, antibodies, ELISA kits, and other disposables. Products sold under own brands (PQN Essentials) and distributed brands.
- Clinical Diagnostics Products: Expanded into clinical diagnostics including oncology, hematology, microbiology, genetics, and PCR testing (notably COVID-19 PCR became their leading provider in Spain in 2020).
- E-commerce Online Sales: Direct online sales through their website with shopping cart functionality, user registration, and account-based pricing. Exclusive online prices are offered for registered customers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Registered Customer Pricing |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Promotional and Bundle Offers |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Proquinorte product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Proquinorte is a B2B distributor of laboratory materials and equipment, supplying scientific instruments (centrifuges, pipettes, moisture analyzers, balances), consumables (gloves, filter tips, centrifuge tubes, cryovials), reagents, ELISA kits, and clinical diagnostics products. The company distributes products from major international brands such as Eppendorf, Ohaus, Revvity, Merck, Agilent, Sigma Aldrich, and Hach Lange, alongside its own brands (PQN Essentials, Hoopbio, Hermes). Sales are conducted through a multi-language e-commerce platform with PunchOut integration, supported by a regional direct sales team and a Technical Assistance Service.
Product overview
Proquinorte is a laboratory materials and equipment distributor offering a comprehensive portfolio through both its own brands and third-party distribution agreements. The company's own brands include PQN Essentials (laboratory plastics, gloves, consumables), Hoopbio, and Hermes, developed to provide accessible solutions for researchers. The portfolio spans multiple product categories: cell biology (Bambanker cryopreservation media), molecular biology and ELISA products (Assay Genie detection kits), laboratory equipment (Eppendorf centrifuges and pipettes, Ohaus moisture analyzers and balances), and general laboratory supplies. Proquinorte also maintains distribution agreements with major international brands including Eppendorf, Revvity, Assay Genie, Merck, Agilent, Panreac AppliChem, Sigma Aldrich, Hach Lange, Scalebio, CellPath, and Nippon Genetics. The company operates through an e-commerce platform with approximately 1,000 m² of facilities in Bizkaia Technology Park, Zamudio, Spain.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Hoopbio: Own brand developed to provide more accessible solutions tailored to the needs of researchers.
- Hermes
- PQN Essentials
Products and services
- PQN Essentials Own-brand portfolio of laboratory plastic supplies and consumables including nitrile gloves, filter tips, centrifuge tubes, cryovials, and other plastic consumables, developed by Proquinorte as cost-effective alternatives for laboratory customers.
- Hoopbio Own-brand line of laboratory products developed by Proquinorte to provide accessible solutions tailored to researchers' needs.
- Hermes Own-brand line of laboratory products developed by Proquinorte to provide accessible solutions tailored to researchers' needs.
- Bambanker Standard Serum-free, ready-to-use cell cryopreservation medium enabling simple, reproducible cell freezing without requiring a programmable freezer; available in Standard, hRM, DMSO Free, and Direct formats with published evidence in 120+ cell types. Distributed by Proquinorte from Nippon Genetics Europe.
- GenieColor Mycoplasma Detection Kit Colorimetric mycoplasma detection kit providing visual results (pink for negative, yellow for positive) within 60 minutes using only 1 µl of sample, with detection across 40 species. Distributed by Proquinorte from Assay Genie.
- Assay Genie Q2 SuperSet DIY ELISA development kits including SuperSet, SuperSet VetLab, and SuperSet Max formats with capture and detection antibodies, standards, and 96-well plates. Distributed by Proquinorte from Assay Genie.
- Ohaus MB Series Moisture Analyzers MB32, MB62, MB92, and MB120 moisture analyzers featuring IR heating technology for routine and advanced moisture content analysis in laboratory settings. Distributed by Proquinorte from Ohaus, with trade-in promotion offering up to 25% discount.
- Eppendorf Research Neo 3 Pipettes Ergonomic pipettes featuring the PhysioCare concept with customizable volume adjustment speeds and enhanced precision for laboratory liquid handling. Distributed by Proquinorte from Eppendorf, offered with up to 20% off promotional pricing.
- Eppendorf Centrifuges Benchtop centrifuges including 5910 RiG, 5910Ri, and 5427 RG models with refrigerated options, various rotors, and ergonomic features for laboratory separation applications. Distributed by Proquinorte from Eppendorf.
Quantifiable outcome
- Leading provider of PCR for COVID-19 diagnosis in Spain (2020)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Proquinorte
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Proquinorte technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Proquinorte partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- EppendorfcoreMajor distribution partner for Eppendorf laboratory equipment including centrifuges, pipettes, tubes, plates, and BioBased sustainable products. Proquinorte offers up to 20% off Eppendorf products with promotional code PH1_EP26.
- OhauscoreDistribution partner for Ohaus moisture analyzers (MB32, MB62, MB92, MB120), balances (Voyager Pro, Explorer Pro, Explorer), and related equipment. Includes trade-in promotion with up to 25% discount.
- RevvitycoreDistribution partner for Revvity products including AlphaLISA kits and PhenoVue CNS reagents for cell analysis and diagnostics.
- Assay GeniecoreDistribution partner for Assay Genie products including GenieColor Mycoplasma Detection Kit (colorimetric detection, 40 species, 60 min assay) and SuperSet DIY ELISA development kits with 20% discount using code PQ3_AG26.
- MerckcoreDistribution partner for Merck laboratory products and chemicals.
- AgilentcoreDistribution partner for Agilent chromatography products. Distribution agreement originally signed with Hewlett Packard (now Agilent) in 1990 for GC and HPLC chromatography branch, enabling entry into pharmaceutical industry.
- Panreac AppliChemminorDistribution partner for Panreac AppliChem laboratory reagents and chemicals.
- Sigma AldrichminorDistribution partner for Sigma Aldrich laboratory products.
- Hach LangeminorDistribution partner for Hach Lange water analysis and environmental testing equipment.
- Nippon Genetics EuropecoreDistribution partner for Nippon Genetics Europe products including Bambanker cell cryopreservation media (Standard, hRM, DMSO Free, Direct formats) - serum-free, ready-to-use freezing medium with published evidence in 120+ cell types.
- LLG (European Laboratory Equipment Purchasing Center)coreEuropean laboratory equipment purchasing center. Distribution agreement signed in 2005 connecting Proquinorte to European purchasing network.
- Applied BiosystemscoreMolecular biology business line opened in 2002 through partnership with Applied Biosystems.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Proquinorte competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- DDBiolab: Spanish life-science and laboratory equipment distributor with overlapping coverage of research, clinical, and industrial customers in the Iberian market. Similar B2B distribution model and product categories.
- Labbox: Spanish laboratory consumables and equipment distributor with overlapping B2B e-commerce model and similar Iberian footprint. Directly comparable as a regional full-line lab supplier competing for the same hospital, university, and research customers.
- Sarstedt: German manufacturer-distributor of laboratory consumables and medical devices. Comparable in the plastics and consumables categories (where Proquinorte competes with PQN Essentials) and serves similar European clinical and research customers.
- Scharlab: Spanish laboratory chemicals, reagents, and consumables manufacturer-distributor with deep Iberian presence. Comparable product breadth across reagents and plastics, and serves the same clinical and research end markets.
- Quimigen: Spanish laboratory reagents, chemicals, and diagnostics distributor. Comparable B2B model focused on research and clinical diagnostics customers across Iberia.
- BRAND GMBH: German manufacturer of liquid handling, life science consumables, and laboratory plastics. Comparable in pipettes, tips, and plastics where PQN Essentials competes, with overlapping European research and clinical customers.
Broad incumbents
- VWR (Avantor): Global lab-supply distributor with multi-brand catalog, European distribution centers, and direct local sales in most major markets. Comparable product breadth but vastly larger scale; competes head-to-head on catalog and pricing.
- Fisher Scientific (Thermo Fisher Scientific): Global leader in laboratory equipment, consumables, and services with pan-European direct sales. Overlaps with Proquinorte's entire product range and serves the same hospital, pharma, and research customer base.
Regional players
- Carl Roth: German laboratory chemicals, consumables, and equipment supplier with strong direct-to-customer e-commerce. Comparable product mix in reagents and plastics; primarily serves DACH-region customers but exports across Europe.
Others
- Eppendorf: German manufacturer of laboratory equipment (centrifuges, pipettes) for which Proquinorte is a major Iberian distributor. Included as an ecosystem peer — also a principal supplier — that shapes Proquinorte's go-to-market in Iberia.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Proquinorte social profiles
Digital presenceProquinorte financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Proquinorte leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Proquinorte funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Proquinorte M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Proquinorte
What does Proquinorte do?
Proquinorte is a B2B distributor of laboratory materials and equipment, supplying scientific instruments (centrifuges, pipettes, moisture analyzers, balances), consumables (gloves, filter tips, centrifuge tubes, cryovials), reagents, ELISA kits, and clinical diagnostics products. The company distributes products from major international brands such as Eppendorf, Ohaus, Revvity, Merck, Agilent, Sigma Aldrich, and Hach Lange, alongside its own brands (PQN Essentials, Hoopbio, Hermes). Sales are conducted through a multi-language e-commerce platform with PunchOut integration, supported by a regional direct sales team and a Technical Assistance Service.
Is Proquinorte a public or private company?
Proquinorte is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Proquinorte founded?
Proquinorte was founded in 1965. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Proquinorte based?
Proquinorte is headquartered in Zamudio, Spain, in the Europe region.
How does Proquinorte make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Laboratory Equipment Distribution is the primary driver. The others are laboratory Consumables and Supplies, clinical Diagnostics Products and E-commerce Online Sales.
Who are Proquinorte's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are DDBiolab, Labbox, Sarstedt, Scharlab, Quimigen and BRAND GMBH. Broad incumbents are VWR (Avantor) and Fisher Scientific (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Carl Roth is listed as a regional player. Eppendorf is listed as an others.
Does Proquinorte have an API?
No public API is recorded for Proquinorte.