Markes International (Markes), a UK-headquartered provider of specialist analytical technologies that enhance the sensitivity, separation and interpretive power of gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), has been acquired by Velaris, backed by Battery Ventures (Battery). Markes is a global leader in analytical thermal desorption instrumentation and sample extraction for gas chromatography, while SepSolve Analytical (Markes’ sub-brand) complements this with high-performance GC and GC×GC platforms, time-of-flight mass spectrometry and advanced data-processing software, delivering enhanced separations and deeper analytical insight. This acquisition adds Markes and SepSolve to Velaris’ portfolio, delivering complementary solutions for commercial, academic, and government laboratories worldwide. With strong positions in Europe and North America and local assembly in China, it significantly expands Velaris’ regional sales and service capabilities.
EC M&A acted as the exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Markes International Ltd, German strategic investor Schauenburg International and the founders Alun Cole and Elizabeth Woolfenden, on this transaction.
About Markes International
Markes International (www.markes.com) is a UK-based provider of advanced technologies for gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS), for applications including environmental monitoring, materials testing, food and beverage analysis, flavour and fragrance science, defence and forensics. Markes develops thermal desorption and automated sample preparation technologies for the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in air and materials. Its portfolio supports targeted and untargeted analysis, enabling method compliance and increased throughput across the widest range of sample types and analytes on a single platform for cryogen, solvent and cylinder-free operation.
SepSolve Analytical, (Markes sub-brand) complements this with high-performance GC and GC×GC platforms, time-of-flight mass spectrometry and advanced data-processing software, delivering enhanced separations and deeper analytical insight.
Together, Markes and SepSolve provide integrated, end-to-end analytical workflows from sample introduction through to more actionable insightful data for laboratories worldwide.
About Schauenburg International
Schauenburg International is a global, strategic family equity company that invests in established, growth-oriented industrial companies and promising tech ventures. Our portfolio is organized into six verticals: safety, environmental, industrial, space, analytics and automation. It comprises twelve portfolio companies with a total of around 1,800 employees on three continents. The operational business is in the responsibility of the respective management teams. As Schauenburg International Holding, we focus on supporting the organic and inorganic growth of our portfolio companies, particularly through knowledge, networks and capital.
About Velaris
Velaris (www.velaris.com) is a Netherlands-based provider of laboratory automation systems, consumables and services. It’s home to some of the world’s leading brands in laboratory automation and is supported by the global investment firm Battery Ventures. Following an initial investment in Skalar Analytical, a provider of wet chemistry analysis, in 2023, Velaris has grown further in the field of environmental sciences on a global scale organically and through acquisitions. In 2024, GERSTEL, a major player in the flavor, fragrance and food science industry, joined the group, followed in 2025 by Trace Elemental Instruments, which develops and manufactures combustion analyzers for petrochemical and industrial applications. Supported by its leading brands, Velaris provides its customers with rapid innovation and excellent customer service, powering scientific research around the world.
About Battery Ventures
Battery Ventures (www.battery.com) is a global investment fund focused on technology and innovation. With over 40 years of experience and $3.8bn of assets under management, Battery’s thesis-driven approach creates deep domain expertise in the technology sector, including analytical & laboratory instrumentation, specialty consumables, and automation technologies. Battery operates across U.S., Europe and Israel.