11 October 2017

ABCAM PLC

("Abcam" or "Company")

Directorate Change - Chairman

Cambridge UK: Abcam plc (AIM: ABC), a global leader in the supply of life science research tools announces that its Chairman, Murray Hennessy, has informed the Board that he has accepted a CEO role and will therefore relinquish his Non-Executive Chairman position and step down from the Board following the AGM in November 2017. 

After three years as Chairman and six years on the Board, Murray has decided to return to executive management in a company based in the USA. Louise Patten, who is currently serving as Senior Independent Director of Abcam, will take over as interim Non-Executive Chairman at the conclusion of the AGM, once an orderly handover is complete.  A search for a permanent Non-Executive Chairman will now commence. Mara Aspinall will be appointed as the interim Senior Independent Director at the conclusion of the AGM.

Murray Hennessy, Chairman, said:

"It has been a privilege to be Chairman at Abcam over the last three years.  I am proud of the achievements we have realised in implementing the successful growth strategy we commissioned in 2013 which has ensured we remain the global leader in the sales of research antibodies.  I have complete confidence in the Board and the executive team to sustain Abcam's long term growth. I am leaving the company in a great position and I wish Alan and the team the very best for the future."

Alan Hirzel, CEO, said:

"I would like to thank Murray for his support and advice since my appointment as CEO over three years ago.  I have been fortunate to benefit from his experience and the passion he has demonstrated for our business. His broad experience has helped us continue the transformation of Abcam.  We have a company that is stronger today for Murray's contributions to the Board and I remain confident of our outlook. I wish him every success in his new role. Louise has previous experience as a FTSE Chairman, and I am looking forward to working with her as interim Chairman."

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About Abcam plc

As an innovator in reagents and tools, Abcam's purpose is to serve life science researchers globally to achieve their mission, faster. Providing the research and clinical communities with tools and scientific support, the Company offers highly validated biological binders and assays to address important targets in critical biological pathways.

Already a pioneer in data sharing and ecommerce in the life sciences, Abcam's ambition is to be the most influential company in life sciences by helping advance global understanding of biology and causes of disease, which, in turn, will drive new treatments and improved health. Two-thirds of the world's 750,000 life science researchers use Abcam's affinity binders, reagents, biomarkers and assays and the Company's products are mentioned in over 20,000 of the 56,000 peer-reviewed papers published each year in the life sciences.

By actively listening to and collaborating with researchers, the Company continuously advances its portfolio to address their needs. A transparent programme of customer reviews and datasheets, combined with an industry-leading validation initiative, gives researchers increased confidence in their results.

Abcam's twelve locations are in the world's leading life science research hubs, enabling local services and multi-language support. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, the Company sells to more than 130 countries. Abcam was admitted to AIM in 2005 (AIM: ABC).

To find out more, please visit www.abcam.com and www.abcamplc.com

Forward looking statement

This announcement, including any information included or incorporated by reference in this announcement, may contain forward-looking statements (including words such as "believe", "expect", "estimate", "intend", "anticipate" and words of similar meaning) which are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Abcam Group. All statements other than statements of historical facts may be forward-looking statements and should not be treated as guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Abcam Group, and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this announcement and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Abcam Group does not assume any obligation to, and does not intend to, revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as required pursuant to applicable law.