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Global food safety firm Mérieux NutriSciences has entered into an agreement to acquire the food testing business of Bureau Veritas for €360 million.

The strategic deal, which is supported by Mérieux NutriSciences’ parent company, Institut Mérieux, is part of the company’s efforts to promote safer, healthier and more sustainable food systems on a global scale.

The acquisition includes Bureau Veritas' food laboratory testing services – microbiological and chemical analysis and molecular testing. These serve food sector customers through a network of 34 laboratories and 1,900 technical staff across 15 countries in the Americas, Africa and Asia Pacific. Once the transaction is complete, Bureau Veritas' laboratories and its 1,900 staff members will integrate into Mérieux NutriSciences.

Additionally, Mérieux NutriSciences is in ‘advanced discussions’ with New Zealand-based food assurance provider, AsureQuality, to continue the joint ventures which currently exist between Bureau Veritas and AsureQuality in Australia and Southeast Asia.

The deal will enhance Mérieux NutriSciences’ global footprint, extending its operations to 32 countries, and doubling its presence in Canada and the Asia Pacific regions.

Once the deal is complete, Mérieux NutriSciences will be better positioned to meet the evolving needs of the global testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) market through its services that include testing, auditing, consultancy, research, environmental footprinting, training and digital solutions.

Nicolas Cartier, CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences, said: “The acquisition of Bureau Veritas' food testing business marks a pivotal milestone for Mérieux NutriSciences. It will significantly enhance our ability to serve our customers, and ultimately increase our contribution to the safety, quality and sustainability of global food systems. After closing of the transaction, together with the 1,900 future colleagues joining us from Bureau Veritas, we will be even stronger in fulfilling our purpose: 'Better Food. Better Health. Better World.'”

Bureau Veritas’ CEO Hinda Gharbi added: “This divestment demonstrates our active portfolio management, in line with the ‘Focused Portfolio’ pillar of our strategic plan. The transaction strengthens our balance sheet and gives us greater leeway to implement our ambitious acquisition plan. We are pleased to partner with Mérieux NutriSciences, a leader in food testing, whose global footprint and proven expertise is the perfect fit for our food business and would allow it to thrive and to contribute to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable.”

The transaction is expected to close by the end of Q4 2024, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory clearance in certain geographies.

Top image: ©Bureau Veritas

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