The food safety and testing company Mérieux NutriSciences has announced it will acquire the lab testing, inspection and certification (TIC) firm Certified Group for an undisclosed amount.
The deal is targeted to close in Q4 of this year, subject to customary regulatory conditions.
The purchase of Certified Group will give Mérieux access to its network of 31 laboratories across North America, broadening its service offerings and strengthening regulatory support for its customers.
The combined entity will operate more than 140 labs and employ more than 10,000 people — making it a significantly larger player in the competitive TIC market alongside multinational firms such as SGS and Eurofins.
Certified Group provides a comprehensive suite of services, including microbiology and chemistry testing, contract research, certification and audit services, as well as regulatory consulting, generating approximately $300m in revenue.
Comprised of three verticals, Food & Beverage, COS (cosmetics, OTC products and supplements) and Labstat International, Certified Group has built a robust reputation within the food sector as a leader in safety and quality.
These verticals are also supported by specialised expert services including Lab Plus (contract research), EAS (regulatory consulting) and FSNS Certification and Audit (certifying body for GFSI and animal welfare audits).
"This acquisition marks an important step in our growth strategy and strengthens our ability to support customers across North America," said Nicolas Cartier, CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences.
A more diversified, multi-regional network creates new opportunities for knowledge-sharing and technical leadership across a wider range of disciplines, empowering our teams to meet our customers' evolving needs.
"Becoming part of the Mérieux NutriSciences family, one of the most respected food testing companies — rooted in the Pasteur tradition established by Marcel Mérieux nearly 130 years ago — is the perfect next chapter for our company," added David Morgan, CEO of Certified Group.
Together with our COS testing business and Labstat, this merger enhances Certified Group's testing capabilities and strengthens our ability to better serve our customers.
"Certified Group has built a differentiated platform with a strong reputation for quality, scientific excellence and exceptional customer service," said Deborah Kerr, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus & Executive Chair, Certified Group.
Mérieux NutriSciences and Certified Group bring complementary capabilities, global scale and a shared commitment to serving customers at the highest standards.
"We are proud to have supported Certified Group's evolution and look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive as part of Mérieux NutriSciences."
Mérieux NutriSciences said that it was committed to preserving and expanding the Food Safety Net Services protein-testing business post-acquisition.
