Mérieux NutriSciences deal expands OTC and supplement testing

CHICAGO — Mérieux NutriSciences has entered into an agreement to acquire Certified Group, a move that will significantly expand the company’s testing, inspection and certification capabilities across North America, including services for the cosmetics, over-the-counter drug and dietary supplement sectors.

Certified Group, backed by Warburg Pincus, generates approximately $300 million in annual revenue and operates a network of 31 laboratories across North America. Its services include microbiology and chemistry testing, contract research, certification and audits, and regulatory consulting.

The company operates across three primary business areas. Its Food & Beverage division comprises Food Safety Net Services and Certified Laboratories, while COS provides testing services for cosmetics, OTC products, and supplements. Labstat International specializes in testing reduced-harm nicotine products.

The businesses are supported by Lab Plus for contract research, EAS for regulatory consulting, and FSNS Certification and Audit, which provides certification services for Global Food Safety Initiative programs and animal welfare audits.

Mérieux NutriSciences said the acquisition will create a broader coast-to-coast laboratory network and enable it to provide customers with faster turnaround times, expanded regulatory support, and access to a wider range of specialized testing capabilities. The company estimates the North American food testing, inspection, and certification market at more than $2.5 billion.

“This acquisition marks an important step in our growth strategy and strengthens our ability to support customers across North America,” said Nicolas Cartier, CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences. “A more diversified, multi-regional network creates new opportunities for knowledge-sharing and technical leadership across a wider range of disciplines, empowering our teams to meet our customers’ evolving needs and fulfill our purpose: Better Food. Better Health. Better World.”

Mérieux NutriSciences also said it intends to preserve and expand Certified Group’s Food Safety Net Services business and to continue investing in specialized testing, certification and audit services for North American beef, pork and poultry producers.

“Becoming part of the Mérieux NutriSciences family, one of the most respected food testing companies — rooted in the Pasteur tradition established by Marcel Mérieux nearly 130 years ago — is the perfect next chapter for our company,” said David Morgan, CEO of Certified Group. “Together with our COS testing business and Labstat, this merger enhances Certified Group’s testing capabilities and strengthens our ability to better serve our customers.”

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.