Tepnel Life Sciences Plc, the AIM-listed international life sciences products and services group, has seen its shares surge 18 per cent after it confirmed that it was in the midst of takeover talks.

Tepnel Life Sciences Plc, the AIM-listed international life sciences products and services group, has seen its shares surge 18 per cent after it confirmed that it was in the midst of takeover talks.

The Manchester company revealed that “discussions were at an early stage and that there can be no assurance that an offer will be forthcoming”.

Last year Tepnel delivered strong growth across both of its divisions, Molecular Diagnostics and Research Products & Services, reporting gross profits of £6.9 million on a turnover of £11.8 million. Sales have climbed 34 per cent on 2007.

Tepnel Life Sciences has laboratories, manufacturing and operations in the USA, UK and France, and employs some 200 staff.

Seymour Pierce is acting for Tepnel in relation to the takeover approach.