Wallace advises international stem cell company 

February 2006

Wallace is legal adviser to one of the most exciting businesses in modern-day medical technology. Smart Cells International is the UK’s leading and most established provider for the safe storage of stem cells from new-born babies.                                                           

Smart Cells is a worldwide operation and now has associated offices in the UAE, Hong Kong, Spain, South Africa, Lebanon, Italy and Malta.

Wallace advised Smart Cells on a range of corporate, commercial and IP matters relating to the expansion of the business overseas, including shareholder agreements and collaboration agreements with the company’s new European and Middle East offices.

In parallel, Smart Cells has expanded exponentially in recent months, having gained most of its international associated offices in the past year, giving rise to extensive legal requirements in a number of practice areas.

John Woodhouse, partner at Wallace, said: “It is very exciting to be involved in a cutting edge biomedical initiative such as this and to work with such a dynamic company. The pioneering nature of Smart Cells’ work is admirable and it has been interesting and challenging helping them expand the business overseas.”

Managing Director of Smart Cells, Shamshad Ahmed, is extremely pleased with the company’s progress. “Many people are starting to see the potential benefits of storing stem cells and are investing in their children’s future. Following the increased awareness, we now have a number of overseas business interests and Wallace has been instrumental in drafting and negotiating contracts and identifying potential pitfalls in our international relationships.”

The practice of storing stem cells to potentially combat future life-threatening illnesses is becoming increasingly popular; Smart Cells has collected and stored 4,000 samples so far. In the lead up to Christmas 2005, Stem Cells received extensive media coverage in most major newspapers for its popular stem cell ‘Christmas gift certificates’ and the company has since featured in a number of current affairs television programs. “Stem cell technology may have brought what is possibly this year’s most original gift.” The Guardian 6/12/05

For more information on Smart Cells please see: www.smartcells.com