Mérieux NutriSciences Enters Agreement to Acquire Certified Group

By Food Safety Tech Staff
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August 25, 2026


• Categories: Food Labs, Food Manufacturing, RC - Food Safety Testing

Mérieux NutriSciences, announced on August 18 that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Certified Group. According to the announcement on Mérieux’s website, this strategic acquisition reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering highly practical, innovative solutions to the everyday challenges faced by the food and beverage, cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs, reduced-harm nicotine product and supplements industries in North America and beyond.

Certified Group, backed by Warburg Pincus, generates approximately $300 million in revenue through a network of 31 laboratories across North America. The company provides a comprehensive suite of services including core microbiology and chemistry testing services, contract research, certification and audit services, and regulatory consulting. The Certified Group is comprised of three verticals; Food & Beverage, through its Food Safety Net Services and Certified Labs businesses, has leading positions in protein, dairy, packaged foods and FDA Import Services; COS, a recognized expert in cosmetics, OTC products and Supplements testing; and Labstat International, a prominent reduced-harm nicotine product testing lab. These verticals are supported by specialized expert services including Lab Plus (contract research), EAS (regulatory consulting) and FSNS Certification and Audit (certifying body for GFSI and animal welfare audits).
Within the food sector, Certified Group has built a strong reputation as a bellwether for safety and quality in the animal proteins industry, and with extensive expertise in processed food, dairy, nuts, and spices.

By bringing together complementary strengths, Mérieux NutriSciences will provide customers with broader service offerings and enhanced regulatory support. With the North American Food TIC sector estimated at over $2.5 billion*, building a comprehensive, responsive network allows the organization to provide enhanced service delivery and continually invest in advanced lab technology to benefit our customers. Ultimately, this expanded coast-to-coast laboratory footprint will ensure that the company is even closer to its customers, meeting localized, time-sensitive needs with unmatched speed and reliability right where production happens.

As part of its long-term strategy, Mérieux NutriSciences is committed to preserving and growing the Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) business, continuing to invest in the unique specialized testing, special projects, certification and audit requirements of North American beef, pork, and poultry producers.

The transaction is expected to close by the last quarter of 2026, once customary closing conditions have been met.