BGF invests €6 million in ClearSphere to fuel next phase of growth

Growth capital investor BGF has announced an investment of over €6 million in ClearSphere, Ireland’s market-leading provider of cleanroom and containment solutions for pharmaceutical, medical device, healthcare and industrial clients.

Headquartered in Cork, ClearSphere has built a strong reputation over 35 years for delivering high-quality, integrated controlled environment systems to blue-chip clients, such as Pfizer, Abbott, Hovione, Tallaght University Hospital and the National Children’s Hospital. The company has demonstrated consistent growth, with annual revenues increasing from €6 million in 2020 to over €13 million today.

BGF’s investment will enable ClearSphere to accelerate its growth strategy, expand its capabilities, invest in innovation, and scale its operations across new geographies, such as Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Under the partnership, BGF’s Joe Higgins will join the ClearSphere board as a Director, while his colleague, Aoife McAdam, will join as a Board Observer. The transaction will complete following receipt of regulatory approval from the CCPC.

Welcoming the investment, Joe Higgins, Investor at BGF, said: “As a trusted leader in controlled environment solutions, ClearSphere combines decades of technical expertise and a proven track record of delivering complex, high-specification projects. With a strong pipeline and a highly experienced management team, ClearSphere is well placed to capture increasing demand across its core markets. Our investment reflects our confidence in ClearSphere’s ability to continue this momentum and expand its delivery of best-in-class solutions. We’re excited to support the team as they enter this next phase of growth.”

Peter Marron, Managing Director at ClearSphere, added: “As ClearSphere looks to grow further, we are thrilled to have BGF on board, as that growth partner. Their history of identifying scale-up opportunities, as well as business expertise, will prove to be invaluable as we embark on the next exciting phase at ClearSphere.”

Coinciding with the BGF investment, ClearSphere has announced the appointment of Liam Nagle, as Non-Executive Chair. This follows an introduction via BGF’s Talent Network – one of the largest networks of board-level talent in the UK and Ireland. Liam brings over 40 years of international business experience, having held senior executive roles across technology, pharmaceuticals, construction and healthcare. He has a proven record of leading large-scale transformations, building high-impact teams, and driving value creation across complex organisations.

Liam Nagle, Non-Executive Chair at ClearSphere, said: “I’m delighted to join ClearSphere at such an important moment in its growth journey. The company has earned its place as a trusted partner to some of the most demanding clients in healthcare and life sciences. With a high-calibre management team and the backing of BGF, ClearSphere is well positioned to scale sustainably and create long-term value, as it expands into new markets.”

Liam currently serves as Chair of Norbrook Laboratories, a global veterinary pharmaceutical company, where he previously held the role of CEO. Prior to that, he was CEO and Chair of SISK Group, Ireland’s largest construction company, and held senior leadership roles at Intel, Nortel Networks, and Bookham Technology. His deep operational expertise, strategic insight, and commitment to governance will be instrumental in supporting the next phase of growth.

Regarding the appointment, Peter Marron said: “We’re also excited to have Liam Nagle join us as Non-Executive Chair. His appointment is a testament to the calibre of strategic support BGF brings beyond capital. Liam’s experience and leadership will be invaluable, as we scale the business.”

Backed by BGF’s capital and strategic support, ClearSphere is well placed to strengthen its leadership in Ireland, broaden its offering, and continue delivering world-class cleanroom and containment solutions to clients across its core markets.