Cogent was founded in 1982 as an exciting joint venture between Commercial Union and Legal and General Assurance Society. In 1983 it became wholly owned by Legal and General. Since then a number of subsidiary companies were established or acquired to create the Cogent group, headed by Cogent(Holdings) Limited. From its founding some £30 million has been invested in projects at a number of universities and contract research organisations and in the subsequent technology transfer process.

In 1997 a new chapter started with the transfer of the group to private ownership, when the company was acquired by JB Associates UK Limited. The present chief executive, Dr John Ballard, has worked with the company since 1985 and this ensures continuity of specialist management and licensing expertise. Before this he was employed by Prutec so has extensive experience of technology transfer in a wide range of technologies and contexts.

• About Cogent
• Company Structure