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Science Group

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Namestring
Science Group
Legal namestring
Science Group plc
Websiteurl
sciencegroup.com
Company typeenum
Public
Founded yearint
1986
Descriptiontext

Science Group plc is an international services and systems company headquartered in Cambridge, UK, that delivers innovation through the application of science, technology and engineering. The Group operates through two divisions: a Services Division providing science, technology and engineering services to clients in medical, defence, industrial, and consumer sectors, and a Systems Division that holds leading market positions in related technology sectors. The Group delivers its services through four wholly-owned operating subsidiaries — Sagentia (science, technology and engineering consultancy), Leatherhead Food Research (food research and testing), Frontier Smart Technologies (smart technologies and audio solutions), and Critical Maritime Systems & Support, known as CMS2 (maritime systems and support).

The Group serves a global client base spanning over 100 countries, with employees based in the UK, EU, North America, and China (Shenzhen and Hong Kong). Operations are supported by two UK freehold properties — the registered headquarters at Harston Mill, Harston, Cambridge and a second office in Great Burgh, Surrey — providing infrastructure that underpins a strong balance sheet and a highly cash-generative operating model, with capital from operating cash flow redeployed into corporate opportunities aimed at producing attractive shareholder returns.

The business model is sales-led and relies on direct B2B enterprise engagements to capture client work rather than channel partners or self-service funnels. Revenue is generated primarily through professional services engagements delivered across the four named verticals. The Group is led by Martyn Ratcliffe in the role of Executive Chair.

Short descriptiontext

Science Group plc is an international services and systems company operating a Services Division and a Systems Division through four wholly-owned subsidiaries (Sagentia, Leatherhead Food Research, Frontier Smart Technologies, CMS2), serving medical, defence, industrial and consumer clients across 100+ countries.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
501–1,000
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersCambridge, United Kingdom
HQ citystring
Cambridge
HQ countrystring
United Kingdom
HQ regionstring
Europe
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices2 records

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
science technology engineering services, applied research consulting, industrial innovation services, defence engineering services, technology systems solutions
NAICS code4 codes
  • Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services54169
  • Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences54171
  • Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing334516
  • Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services5416
SIC code2 codes
  • Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research8731
  • Laboratory Analytical Instruments3826
Product category
Engineering and Technology Consulting Services
Social media profiles1 record
GTM motion1 record

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model1 record
1Science and Technology Services
TypeProfessional Services
Description

The services division provides science, technology and engineering services to clients in medical, defence, industrial, and consumer sectors. The systems division holds leading market positions in related technology sectors.

sciencegroup.com
Marketing channels1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components5 values
Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeServices
Services
Core offering1 text field

Science Group plc is an international services and systems company delivering innovation through the application of science, technology and engineering. It operates a Services Division providing science, technology and engineering services to clients in medical, defence, industrial and consumer sectors, and a Systems Division holding leading market positions in related technology sectors. The Group serves a global client base in over 100 countries through subsidiaries including Sagentia, Leatherhead Food Research, Frontier Smart Technologies and Critical Maritime Systems & Support (CMS2).

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Product overview1 text field

Science Group plc is an international services and systems company organized into two main divisions: a Services Division providing science, technology and engineering services, and a Systems Division offering technology solutions with leading market positions. The company operates through several subsidiaries including Sagentia, Leatherhead Food Research, Frontier Smart Technologies, and Critical Maritime Systems & Support (CMS2).

Product and service6 records
1Science, Technology and Engineering Services
CategoryProfessional Services
2Technology Systems
3Sagentia Science and Technology Consultancy
4Leatherhead Food Research
5Frontier Smart Technologies
6Critical Maritime Systems & Support (CMS2)
Scale indicator3 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership4 partners
1Critical Maritime Systems & Support
Strategic tierCoreTypeOthers
Description

A subsidiary company of Science Group operating in the maritime systems and support sector.

2Frontier Smart Technologies
Strategic tierCoreTypeOthers
Description

A subsidiary company of Science Group operating in smart technologies.

3Leatherhead Food Research
Strategic tierCoreTypeOthers
Description

A subsidiary company of Science Group operating in food research.

4Sagentia
Strategic tierCoreTypeOthers
Description

A subsidiary company of Science Group providing science and technology consultancy services.

Recent move5 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight5 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers10 records
1Halma plc
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

UK-listed group of safety, environmental and medical technology businesses operating through a federation of niche subsidiaries. Closely mirrors Science Group's holding-company model with a services/systems mix and a track record of cash-funded bolt-on M&A.

2Ricardo plc
TypeDirect peer
Description

UK-listed strategic engineering and environmental consultancy serving automotive, defence, energy and industrial clients globally. Directly comparable to Science Group in offering applied science/engineering services across multiple verticals, and was the subject of a referenced shareholder letter on Science Group's own site.

3Oxford Instruments plc
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

UK-listed provider of high-technology tools, systems and services for industrial and academic research applications. Comparable to the Systems division in holding leading positions in scientific/analytical instrumentation.

4Cambridge Consultants
TypeDirect peer
Description

Product and technology innovation consultancy applying deep science and engineering to develop breakthrough products for global clients. Closely comparable to Sagentia (Science Group subsidiary) and the broader services division.

5Intertek Group plc
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Global testing, inspection and certification company serving consumer, industrial and commodity end-markets. Comparable to Leatherhead Food Research and broader applied science/quality services within the Science Group portfolio.

6PA Consulting
TypeDirect peer
Description

Global innovation and transformation consultancy combining technology, design and consulting to solve complex client problems. Comparable in offering applied science and engineering consulting across defence, medical and industrial end-markets.

7Exponent, Inc.
TypeDirect peer
Description

US-listed engineering and scientific consulting firm offering failure analysis, risk consulting and applied science across medical, industrial and consumer sectors. Comparable to Science Group's services division in scientific consulting across multiple verticals.

8Wood Group (John Wood Group)
TypeEmerging player
Description

Global consulting and engineering company focused on energy and industrial markets. Partial overlap with Science Group's defence/industrial service work, particularly around engineering and systems integration.

9Bureau Veritas
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

International testing, inspection and certification group operating across marine, industrial, consumer and government segments. Comparable to the CMS2 maritime subsidiary and broader systems/services business mix.

10Frazer-Nash Consultancy
TypeDirect peer
Description

UK-headquartered systems and engineering technology consultancy serving defence, energy and industrial clients. Comparable as a mid-sized applied science/engineering services peer focused on defence and regulated industries.

Market position
Strengths4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat4 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Segment4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile4 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
Yes
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles1 record

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

Subsidiaries4 records

Each record includes

Name, Acquired on, Relationship type, Type, Business focus

No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A4 records

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Science Group

Engineering and Technology Consulting Servicessciencegroup.com

Science Group plc is an international services and systems company operating a Services Division and a Systems Division through four wholly-owned subsidiaries (Sagentia, Leatherhead Food Research, Frontier Smart Technologies, CMS2), serving medical, defence, industrial and consumer clients across 100+ countries.

What Science Group does

Science Group plc is an international services and systems company headquartered in Cambridge, UK, that delivers innovation through the application of science, technology and engineering. The Group operates through two divisions: a Services Division providing science, technology and engineering services to clients in medical, defence, industrial, and consumer sectors, and a Systems Division that holds leading market positions in related technology sectors. The Group delivers its services through four wholly-owned operating subsidiaries — Sagentia (science, technology and engineering consultancy), Leatherhead Food Research (food research and testing), Frontier Smart Technologies (smart technologies and audio solutions), and Critical Maritime Systems & Support, known as CMS2 (maritime systems and support).

The Group serves a global client base spanning over 100 countries, with employees based in the UK, EU, North America, and China (Shenzhen and Hong Kong). Operations are supported by two UK freehold properties — the registered headquarters at Harston Mill, Harston, Cambridge and a second office in Great Burgh, Surrey — providing infrastructure that underpins a strong balance sheet and a highly cash-generative operating model, with capital from operating cash flow redeployed into corporate opportunities aimed at producing attractive shareholder returns.

The business model is sales-led and relies on direct B2B enterprise engagements to capture client work rather than channel partners or self-service funnels. Revenue is generated primarily through professional services engagements delivered across the four named verticals. The Group is led by Martyn Ratcliffe in the role of Executive Chair.

Science Group firmographics

Firmographics
Name
Science Group
Legal name
Science Group plc
Website
https://sciencegroup.com
Company type
Public
Founded year
1986
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
501–1,000 employees
Short description
Science Group plc is an international services and systems company operating a Services Division and a Systems Division through four wholly-owned subsidiaries (Sagentia, Leatherhead Food Research, Frontier Smart Technologies, CMS2), serving medical, defence, industrial and consumer clients across 100+ countries.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Where Science Group is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Cambridge
HQ country
United Kingdom
HQ region
Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

Science Group business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Services
Cost components
Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

  1. Science and Technology Services: The services division provides science, technology and engineering services to clients in medical, defence, industrial, and consumer sectors. The systems division holds leading market positions in related technology sectors.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels1 record

Science Group product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Science Group plc is an international services and systems company delivering innovation through the application of science, technology and engineering. It operates a Services Division providing science, technology and engineering services to clients in medical, defence, industrial and consumer sectors, and a Systems Division holding leading market positions in related technology sectors. The Group serves a global client base in over 100 countries through subsidiaries including Sagentia, Leatherhead Food Research, Frontier Smart Technologies and Critical Maritime Systems & Support (CMS2).

Product overview

Science Group plc is an international services and systems company organized into two main divisions: a Services Division providing science, technology and engineering services, and a Systems Division offering technology solutions with leading market positions. The company operates through several subsidiaries including Sagentia, Leatherhead Food Research, Frontier Smart Technologies, and Critical Maritime Systems & Support (CMS2).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

  • Science, Technology and Engineering Services
  • Technology Systems
  • Sagentia Science and Technology Consultancy
  • Leatherhead Food Research
  • Frontier Smart Technologies
  • Critical Maritime Systems & Support (CMS2)

Companies that use Science Group

Customer profile

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Science Group technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Science Group partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Science Group competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Broad incumbents

  • Halma plc: UK-listed group of safety, environmental and medical technology businesses operating through a federation of niche subsidiaries. Closely mirrors Science Group's holding-company model with a services/systems mix and a track record of cash-funded bolt-on M&A.
  • Oxford Instruments plc: UK-listed provider of high-technology tools, systems and services for industrial and academic research applications. Comparable to the Systems division in holding leading positions in scientific/analytical instrumentation.
  • Intertek Group plc: Global testing, inspection and certification company serving consumer, industrial and commodity end-markets. Comparable to Leatherhead Food Research and broader applied science/quality services within the Science Group portfolio.
  • Bureau Veritas: International testing, inspection and certification group operating across marine, industrial, consumer and government segments. Comparable to the CMS2 maritime subsidiary and broader systems/services business mix.

Direct peers

  • Ricardo plc: UK-listed strategic engineering and environmental consultancy serving automotive, defence, energy and industrial clients globally. Directly comparable to Science Group in offering applied science/engineering services across multiple verticals, and was the subject of a referenced shareholder letter on Science Group's own site.
  • Cambridge Consultants: Product and technology innovation consultancy applying deep science and engineering to develop breakthrough products for global clients. Closely comparable to Sagentia (Science Group subsidiary) and the broader services division.
  • PA Consulting: Global innovation and transformation consultancy combining technology, design and consulting to solve complex client problems. Comparable in offering applied science and engineering consulting across defence, medical and industrial end-markets.
  • Exponent, Inc. US-listed engineering and scientific consulting firm offering failure analysis, risk consulting and applied science across medical, industrial and consumer sectors. Comparable to Science Group's services division in scientific consulting across multiple verticals.
  • Frazer-Nash Consultancy: UK-headquartered systems and engineering technology consultancy serving defence, energy and industrial clients. Comparable as a mid-sized applied science/engineering services peer focused on defence and regulated industries.

Emerging players

  • Wood Group (John Wood Group): Global consulting and engineering company focused on energy and industrial markets. Partial overlap with Science Group's defence/industrial service work, particularly around engineering and systems integration.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Science Group social profiles

Digital presence

Science Group financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Science Group leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Science Group subsidiaries and ownership

Company hierarchy

Subsidiaries4 records

Science Group funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Science Group M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A4 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Science Group

What does Science Group do?

Science Group plc is an international services and systems company delivering innovation through the application of science, technology and engineering. It operates a Services Division providing science, technology and engineering services to clients in medical, defence, industrial and consumer sectors, and a Systems Division holding leading market positions in related technology sectors. The Group serves a global client base in over 100 countries through subsidiaries including Sagentia, Leatherhead Food Research, Frontier Smart Technologies and Critical Maritime Systems & Support (CMS2).

Is Science Group a public or private company?

Science Group is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.

When was Science Group founded?

Science Group was founded in 1986. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.

Where is Science Group based?

Science Group is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.

How does Science Group make money?

One revenue line is on record: science and Technology Services.

Who are Science Group's main competitors?

Broad incumbents on record are Halma plc, Oxford Instruments plc, Intertek Group plc and Bureau Veritas. Direct peers are Ricardo plc, Cambridge Consultants, PA Consulting, Exponent, Inc. and Frazer-Nash Consultancy. Wood Group (John Wood Group) is listed as an emerging player.

Does Science Group have an API?

No public API is recorded for Science Group.

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FinanzNachrichten.deNicht nur Bayer verdient am Weltmarkt mit, ohne überall selbst präsent zu sein: Ein australischer Psychedelika-Anbieter setzt auf dasselbe GrundprinzipEmyria Limited plans to export its psychedelic-assisted therapy protocols and training programs to international partners rather than building overseas clinics. It is currently testing psilocybin for adjustment disorders after terminal cancer with Science Group, and aims to expand into addiction, eating, and anxiety disorders.InvestegateTransaction in Own SharesScience Group plc purchased 15,000 of its own ordinary shares on 2 September 2026 at an average price of 577 pence per share. The purchase represented 0.04% of voting rights and the shares will be held in treasury. The total ordinary shares in issue after the purchase is 40,398,093.InvestegateTransaction in Own SharesScience Group plc (AIM:SAG) announced on 26 August 2026 that it bought back 15,000 of its 1 pence ordinary shares at 579 pence per share on 25 August, executed by Panmure Liberum Limited. The buyback, 0.04% of voting rights, will be held in treasury, leaving 40,425,093 shares in issue and 5,760,781 in treasury.InvestegateTransaction in Own SharesScience Group plc purchased 20,000 of its own ordinary shares on 17 August 2026 at an average price of 576.5 pence per share through broker Panmure Liberum Limited. The transaction represents 0.05% of the company's voting rights and brings the total treasury holdings to 5,686,781 shares. This update adjusts the denominator for shareholder notification calculations under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.Investing.comScience Group issues 5,000 treasury shares for option exercise By Investing.comScience Group plc issued 5,000 treasury shares at 1 pence per share to settle the exercise of share options. Following this issuance, the company's total ordinary shares in circulation, excluding treasury shares, stand at 40,607,593. This figure serves as the denominator for shareholders to determine if they need to notify their interests under the Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.AdvfnADVFNScience Group reported a resilient first-half performance with adjusted operating profit rising to £11.5m and EPS increasing 5.7%, driven by higher margins despite a drop in total revenue due to the reduction of low-margin defence work. The company continues an aggressive share buyback programme, having returned over £26.3m to shareholders in the past year, while maintaining a strong cash position of £56.8m. Management expects sequential growth in the second half as UK Defence Investment Plan contracts materialize and is exploring value from its property portfolio.Sharecast.comScience Group posts improved first-half profits - Sharecast.comScience Group reported adjusted operating profit of £11.5m for the first half, up from £11.3m, with its adjusted operating margin rising to 24.3% from 19.7%. Adjusted basic earnings per share increased to 20.4p from 19.3p, though core revenue fell to £46.4m from £48.7m and total revenue declined to £47.2m from £57.2m following the managed reduction of low-margin pass-through defence work. The AIM-traded group expects sequential growth in the second half led by its Services division.Investing.comScience Group reports H1 revenue decline, raises buyback target By Investing.comScience Group reported a decline in first-half 2026 core revenue to £47.20 million due to a managed reduction in low-margin defence sales, though adjusted operating profit rose to £11.47 million and adjusted earnings per share increased from the prior year period. The company now expects its 2026 share buyback programme to exceed £20 million, up from previous guidance, and anticipates sequential period growth in the second half led by the Services division. Geopolitical turmoil and delays in the UK defence sector slowed procurement decisions during the period.Investing.comScience Group reports H1 revenue decline, raises buyback target By Investing.comScience Group reported a 6.6% decline in first-half 2026 core revenue to £47.20 million, attributed to a managed reduction in low-margin, pass-through defence sales. Despite the lower revenue, adjusted operating profit rose to £11.47 million and adjusted earnings per share increased year-on-year, improving the company's operating margin. The company has raised its 2026 share buyback programme target to exceed £20 million and expects sequential period growth in the second half, led by the Services division.Investing.comScience Group reports H1 revenue decline, raises buyback target By Investing.comScience Group, a UK-based services and systems company, reported a decline in first-half 2026 core revenue to £47.20 million, driven by a managed reduction in low-margin defence sales that lowered overall revenue but improved operating margins. The company reported adjusted operating profit of £11.47 million, adjusted EPS of £0.14, and net income of £5.98 million for the period, with geopolitical delays in UK defence procurement cited as a factor affecting Services division revenue. Science Group has raised its 2026 share buyback programme target to exceed £20 million and expects sequential period growth in H2 2026, led by the Services division following the anticipated release of the UK Defence Investment Plan.