Eurofins strengthens position in French food testing market

Eurofins Scientific has acquired an analytical service provider supporting the food retail and catering sectors in France.

Agro-Analyses employs 157 staff at its site in Metz. The price of the deal was not disclosed.

The company provides food safety testing with a strong competence in microbiology and surface analysis, for clients primarily in the food retail and catering sectors, and generates annual revenues in excess of €10m.

Eurofins said the acquisition strengthens its position in the French food testing market, especially in food quality and safety assessment. Agro-Analyses’ strong footprint in the east is a good fit with Eurofins’ western franchise.

It added the deal will allow it to accelerate roll out of its capabilities in microbiology and other areas nationwide, and to a broader client base.

In return, Agro-Analyses will benefit from Eurofins’ laboratory network, including access to the group’s analytical portfolio, as well as logistical infrastructure.

Dr Gilles Martin, Eurofins CEO, said: "The acquisition of Agro-Analyses further consolidates our leading footprint to support the entire food industry in France.

“We look forward to giving Agro-Analyses’ clients full access to the capabilities of the Eurofins network to support them in further strengthening and optimizing their quality assurance programs.”

Eurofins offers over 130,000 validated analytical methods for evaluating the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.

It has around 23,000 staff in more than 225 laboratories across 39 countries.