SGS acquires AXYS Analytical Services
AXYS does ultra-trace analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), Contaminants of Emerging Concerns (CECs) and early development stages of the metabolomics business.
The firm, based in Sidney, British Columbia, provides analytical testing to research organizations, regulatory bodies, consultants and industry.
AXYS maintains and tunes instrumental platforms within high- and low-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS and GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to optimize resolution and sensitivity to ultra-trace targets.
Operations are in two laboratory buildings making up 20,000 sq. ft. (sample preparation/extraction and instrumental analysis/data validation).
Many technologies employ serial isotope dilution through the use of carbon isotope standards to enhance detection limits, selectivity and reduction of interferences.
AXYS holds analysis and matrix accreditations with American (NELAC) and Canadian (CALA) national bodies and is ISO 17025 accredited.
Founded in 1974 and privately owned, it employs around 100 people and is expected to generate 2016 revenues in excess of CA$12m.
"This acquisition complements the service offering of our recent Accutest acquisition, as well as enhancing our existing environmental network," said Frankie Ng, CEO of SGS.
SGS bought the assets and operations of Accutest Laboratories, the fifth largest full service environmental testing company in the US at the start of the year.
Accutest was a privately owned company and added over 600 employees and a network of laboratories and customer service centers that span 14 states. Operations generated revenues of $65m in 2015.
SGS also revealed the acquisition of the assets and license of John R. McCrea Agency an inspection agency licensed by the US Department of Agriculture, last week.
