Knights has supported Smart Cells Holdings Limited with its sale of shares to Polski Bank Komorek Macierzystych SA (PBKM), a listed Polish company within the FamiCord Group and the largest stem cells bank in Europe.

Smart Cells was the first private stem cell bank in the UK and are continuing to lead the advancements in stem cell therapy specialising in the collection, processing and storage of stem cells used to treat diseases/life threatening illnesses, such as certain forms of cancer and neurological disorders. Clinical trials are also underway on various other illnesses, including COVID-19.

With an enviable client base, its businesses and partners located worldwide (including in the UK, UAE and Hong Kong), this acquisition will support PBKM with its future growth plans.

Founder, and one of the sellers, Shamshad Ahmed will retain a stake in the business for a period of time following completion and will continue to work in the business to support and oversee the growth of Smart Cells.

Knights’ Corporate team was led by Lisa Bridgwood and supported by Sophie Knapper and Hannah Tinsley. Due to the scale and complexity of the transaction, the multi-disciplinary team included colleagues from regulatory, real estate, commercial, data protection, dispute resolution and employment.

Lisa Bridgwood, Partner at Knights, commented: "We are proud to have supported Shamshad and Fehmina Kamal-Ahmed with the sale of their majority shareholding in such a forward-thinking and innovative business and one which they have worked hard to establish and grow over the last 20 years. It has been a pleasure working with them and we wish them every success with the future of the business and with PBKM”.

Shamshad Ahmed, Owner of Smart Cells Holdings Limited, commented: "They say 3rd time lucky and that was certainly the case with regards to the transaction that I just completed with the aid of Knights plc. Following two aborted attempts and over two years of toing and froing , Knights plc ensured that in the end Smart Cells ended up in the right hands. Lisa Bridgwood and Sophie Knapper, ably supported by Hannah Tinsley, were all amazing. It was great working with you and thank you for your patience”.