Sparks has today announced it is rebranding its name, logo and visual identity to that of its parent company Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) effective July 2025. This marks a significant step in its strategy to unify operations and enhance service capabilities across the Republic of Ireland.
SLS is the UK and Ireland’s leading independent supplier of laboratory products and are partnered with the world’s most recognisable brands in science, bringing the best laboratory equipment, consumables and chemicals to their customers.
The rebrand follows the acquisition of Sparks by SLS in December 2022 and is part of an initiative to improve cross-border efficiencies and minimise the operational impacts of Brexit. This change allows customers to benefit from the broader expertise, resources, and infrastructure of SLS, while maintaining a strong local presence.
Managing Director Ian Roulstone said “This is more than a name change – it’s a strategic move to unlock new value for our customers across Ireland. By consolidating under the SLS brand, we’re streamlining operations, enhancing our service offering and future-proofing our business. SLS is widely recognised as a market leader in the laboratory sector, known for delivering exceptional customer service. This rebrand is a significant step forward that brings real benefits for our customers, greater opportunities for our team, and reinforces our commitment to supporting the scientific communities we proudly serve. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering the best products and services across the Republic of Ireland”
The transition has been phased over recent months with no disruption to customer service or contracts. Irish-based teams will continue to operate locally and will now benefit from access to wider group technologies, innovation programmes, and international supplier partnerships. All Sparks staff have been retained, and a recruitment drive is underway to further strengthen local service.
Warren Jardine, Regional Sales Manager - Ireland added “SLS created a separate legal trading entity to serve the Republic of Ireland in response to the trade issues created by Brexit — including VAT and import duty challenges. Following the acquisition of Sparks, it became clear that consolidating our operations into a single, unified company would provide a more seamless and efficient experience for our customers.
We’ve been working through a phased consolidation under the SLS brand, now operating fully from our Dublin site. Sparks has built a strong reputation in Ireland over many years, and this transition puts us in an even stronger position to deliver value — whether through an expanded product portfolio, faster delivery times, or access to cutting-edge technologies from across the group. It’s an exciting time for both our team and our customers.”
In the Republic of Ireland, SLS Scientific Laboratory Supplies is the legal entity, and customers will now receive invoices, delivery notes and other communications with the Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) branding. All contact details, including phone numbers and email addresses, remain unchanged with redirects to new websites and emails in place.
SLS provides a comprehensive portfolio of brands including its own SLS Select, SLS Lab Basics, SLS Lab Pro, and SLS Flowgen, alongside partnerships with global leaders such as Merck, Eppendorf, Corning, Azenta, Honeywell, and Thermo Scientific. Their customers rely on them to source and supply the highest quality best value products to advance their scientific goals.