National law firm Shoosmiths has advised on the sale and employee buy-out of Photonic Solutions, a supplier of world-leading laser and photonic equipment.

The acquisition of the Edinburgh-based business involved eight of the company's senior employees and was made with support by leading equity investor Panoramic Growth Equity ("Panoramic").

Photonic Solutions was supported by Shoosmiths corporate partners Alison Gilson and Stuart Murray, as well as associate Jen Paton. Partner Kate Featherstone advised on tax, while senior associate John Dunlop advised on real estate, with partner Karen Harvie and senior associate Kenny Scott advising on employment.

Shoosmiths' Stuart Murray said: "We are pleased to act in this deal which secures the long-term future of Photonic Solutions and its staff, as well as the support of an equity company ideally suited to this market.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to wish Photonics and its management board all the best for the future."

Photonic Solutions' employee buyout will see Andrew Blain leading the team and appointed managing director. Panoramic partner Stephen Campbell will join the Photonic Solutions Board.

Andrew Blain said: "I can't recommend highly enough the service we have received from Shoosmiths throughout this highly-complex process, but one which has been made easier by their support and advice."

Photonic Solutions was set up in the 90s and are based at Heriot Watt University Research Park. It mainly provides a wide range of laser systems, spectroscopy and microscopy instrumentation, laser diagnostics, detectors and laser safety equipment to university research departments and high-tech industries.

Shoosmiths' corporate team advises public and private companies, management teams, investors and debt providers through the business life cycle. Shoosmiths work with businesses from start-up and first round finance through to mergers and acquisitions, MBO and MBI transactions, development funding and on exits, by way of sale, listing or private equity investment.

Nationally, the corporate team is ranked in first place by deal volume in Experian's 2016 MarketIQ UK & Ireland M&A league tables. The team was recognised for its mergers and acquisitions expertise at the 2015 M&A Awards, winning the Law Firm of the Year category.