Eurofins acquisition boosts Dutch food testing capabilities

LZV has developed a particular name in its local markets for pesticide testing. Founded in 1991, it employs more than 90 people and generates revenues of more than 10m euros.

It operates a large laboratory in Graauw in the south of the Netherlands, as well as the Altic agricultural laboratory in Dronten in the north, enabling nationwide coverage.

It has long-standing relationships with the largest food growers and producers, as well as environmental agencies in The Netherlands.

Pesticides and contaminants testing​

Eurofins claimed the purchase would enable it to expand its pesticides and contaminants testing in the domestic market as well as facilitating the roll out of its agricultural testing capabilities across Europe.

"LZV is an excellent geographic and strategic fit with Eurofins' existing activities in and around The Netherlands,”​ said Eurofins chief executive Dr. Gilles Martin.

“It expands our agricultural testing footprint in The Netherlands, and allows us to leverage our strength in pesticides and contaminants testing to further develop these activities in the country.​

Full range of capabilities​

“We look forward to strengthening LZV's position in the market by offering the full range of capabilities of the group.”​

The deal marks the latest in a string of acquisitions for Eurofins, following its takeover of New Zealand’s second largest testing laboratory NZ Labs in June last year.

And in April 2012 it announced its purchase of a 52.6% majority stake in Japan-based product testing company Nihon Kankyo.