Mérieux NutriSciences closes Certified Group deal in North America
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Mérieux NutriSciences, a food safety, quality and sustainability company, announced on October 21, 2026, that it has completed the acquisition of Certified Group. The deal was first announced in August 2026. Both businesses operate in the testing, inspection and certification sector. With the transaction closed, Mérieux NutriSciences describes itself as the leading food testing provider in North America.
What Certified Group adds
Certified Group has approximately $300 million in revenue. It brings 31 laboratories and more than 1,600 employees into the Mérieux NutriSciences network, along with more than 170 independent regulatory consultants across the United States and Canada. According to the company, the combination strengthens its position in several food and beverage segments. These include animal protein through the Food Safety Net Services network, as well as dairy, packaged foods, nuts and spices.
The acquisition also extends the company into areas beyond food. The Certified Laboratories unit provides testing for cosmetics, over-the-counter products and dietary supplements, while Labstat International tests reduced-harm nicotine products. Further services come from contract research unit Lab Plus, regulatory consultancy EAS Consulting Group, and the FSNS Certification and Audit programs. Before the deal, Mérieux NutriSciences reported more than 160 accredited laboratories and over 11,600 employees worldwide.
Financing and shareholders
The financing of the acquisition brought in two new minority shareholders, Peugeot Invest and Continental Grain Company. They join the company's long-standing shareholders Institut Mérieux, Sofina and Dassault Group. Certified Group had been backed by Warburg Pincus. Deborah Kerr, managing director at Warburg Pincus and executive chair of Certified Group, said the firm was proud to have supported the company's development.
Nicolas Cartier, chief executive officer of Mérieux NutriSciences, said the combination significantly expands the depth and breadth of the company's capabilities and brings it closer to customers with local, time-sensitive needs. Sébastien Moulard, president for North America, said the priority is a seamless transition for customers, who now have access to routine testing, specialized analysis and regulatory support through one nationwide network.