Mérieux NutriSciences to acquire Bureau Veritas’ global food testing division

Mérieux NutriSciences, a leader in food safety and quality, is set to acquire Bureau Veritas’ global food testing business in a deal valued at €360 million. 

The transaction, supported by its parent company, Institut Mérieux, will include Bureau Veritas’ food laboratory testing services, which encompass microbiological, chemical, and molecular analysis for food sector clients. This business operates across a network of 34 laboratories and employs 1,900 technical staff in 15 countries, spanning the Americas, Africa, and the Asia Pacific region.

For Mérieux NutriSciences, the acquisition significantly expands its geographic footprint. It will double the company’s presence in the Asia Pacific region and Canada, while also granting access to new markets with substantial growth potential.

Mérieux NutriSciences’ CEO Nicolas Cartier 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.”

This acquisition reflects the company’s strategy to strengthen its global reach and expertise in the growing $15 billion food TIC market. Mérieux NutriSciences is also in advanced talks with New Zealand-based food assurance provider, AsureQuality, to continue joint ventures between Bureau Veritas and AsureQuality in Australia and Southeast Asia. This collaboration will help ensure that the established partnerships thrive under new ownership.

The deal will extend Mérieux NutriSciences’ reach to 32 countries and further bolster its ability to deliver science-based solutions, including testing, auditing, consultancy, research, environmental footprinting, and training. The company currently operates 140 laboratories with over 10,000 employees.

Upon the transaction’s completion, the 1,900 employees joining from Bureau Veritas will contribute to Mérieux NutriSciences’ mission of promoting safer, healthier, and more sustainable food systems worldwide.

Hinda Gharbi, CEO of Bureau Veritas, expressed confidence in the future of the business under Mérieux NutriSciences’ leadership. ” 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.”