Glasgow-based photonics and quantum technology business M Squared Lasers has fallen into administration after nearly two decades in business.
The firm was founded in 2006 and built an international reputation for its award-winning laser platforms and quantum technologies, supplying customers across the UK, Europe, the US and Asia.
Its products have been used by scientists, universities and commercial partners to advance research in fields from fundamental physics to life sciences.
Serial entrepreneur Graeme Malcolm OBE has led the company since its inception and it reached heights which included a spot on Deloitte’s Fast 50 in 2013.
However, the business has been hit hard in recent years by global headwinds, with the aftermath of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine causing severe disruption to supply chains and component availability.
Tight competition for skilled staff and a slowdown in orders from some key customers added to the company’s woes, leaving it in a critical financial position.
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Despite efforts by the board to secure fresh investment and turn the business around, attempts to find funding have proved unsuccessful.
It has now ceased trading, with 28 employees made redundant.
Alistair McAlinden and Geoff Jacobs, managing directors at Interpath, have today been appointed as joint administrators.
They are now seeking a buyer for the company’s assets, which include a suite of intellectual property, customer relationships, stock and ongoing work-in-progress.
“M Squared is a groundbreaking and award-winning technology business, which has served scientists, universities and a wide-range of private sector customers for 20 years,” said Jacobs.
“Amongst other significant and innovative achievements, the company has created a laser platform which is scalable, compact and robust, and which is contributing to studies in quantum technologies around the world.
“We are now rapidly exploring options to sell the business and its prized assets, including the company’s highly specialised intellectual property, and encourage any interested parties to contact us quickly.”
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