Mérieux NutriSciences expands into Colombia by acquiring majority stake in Tecnimicro Laboratorio de Analisis

Chicago, IL, Dec. 14, 2017 -- Mérieux NutriSciences has established itself for the first time in Colombia, acquiring a majority stake of Tecnimicro Laboratorio de Analisis. With this alliance, Mérieux NutriSciences continues to consolidate its position as a recognized worldwide leader in food safety and strengthens its presence in South America.

Mérieux NutriSciences is a global food safety and quality partner — offering testing, labeling, auditing, consulting, sensory, training and research services to the food & nutrition industry.

Founded in 1982 by the Saldarriaga family and employing 150 people, Tecnimicro Laboratorio de Analisis provides a full spectrum of microbiology and chemistry services to the food and pharmaceutical industries in Colombia. As a technical reference for the food safety market in Colombia, the company operates 3 labs in Medellin, Bogota and Baranquilla, covering a surface area of 1400 m² (~15000 sq ft).

Philippe Sans, President and CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences commented, “This investment goes along with our strategy to expand in high growth potential markets, and Colombia is definitely one of them. Moreover, Tecnimicro's leading position in Colombia and its competencies complement Mérieux NutriSciences' recognized capabilities and reinforce the company's growing South American footprint.”

“Mérieux NutriSciences is already present in Chile and in Brazil, as well as in Mexico through our North American organization. Colombia is a highly strategic addition to our South American network that will enable us to better cover the continent,” added Eugenio Luporini, Managing Director South America.

Carlos Saldarriaga, CEO of Tecnimicro Laboratorio de Analisis said, “We are proud to establish this partnership with such a renowned group. We share the common spirit of Entrepreneurship, Excellence and Quality and I strongly believe that our partnership will allow Tecnimicro Laboratorio de Analisis to rapidly evolve in Colombia.”

Over the coming months, Tecnimicro Laboratorio de Analisis will be transitioned into the Mérieux NutriSciences network and their 150 employees will join the other 6,500 talents of the group. Colombia becomes the twenty-second country where Mérieux NutriSciences operates in the world.

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As part of Institut Mérieux, Mérieux NutriSciences is dedicated to protecting consumers’ health throughout the world, by delivering a wide range of testing and consulting services to the food & nutrition, agrochemicals, environmental, pharma and cosmetics industries. www.merieuxnutrisciences.com

Valérie Leyldé
[email protected]
+33 4 72 38 15 30