Lenstec buys fellow independent lab Tant

Tant Labs of Bishop's Stortford has been acquired by Caerphilly-based Lenstec, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary as an independent lab.

Nelson Hawkes, chairman and owner of Tant, will step down after almost 45 years in the lab business, while Nigel Castle, Lenstec's major shareholder and managing director, will become overall managing director. Tant managing director Gez Donovan, a chartered accountant, will take on the role of financial director of the combined companies.

Hawkes said he had worked on the deal with Lenstec for the past year and that Tant Labs would continue to trade independently. 'We have known each other for 30 years and Tant and Lenstec share the same quality ethics and reputation in the independent sector.'