Eurofins Scientific--a firm that performs biological testing across the food production chain--has acquired Agro-Analyses SAS, an analytical service provider supporting the food retail and catering sectors in France.

Founded nearly 30 years ago, Agro-Analyses employs 157 staff at its site in Metz, located in northeast France. The company provides food safety testing with a strong competence in microbiology, as well as surface analysis, for its clients primarily in the food retail and catering sectors.

This acquisition further strengthens Eurofins' leadership in the French food testing market, especially in the area of food quality and safety assessment. Agro-Analyses' strong footprint in the east of the country is a good fit with Eurofins' leading western franchise. Furthermore, the acquisition should allow the Group to accelerate the deployment of its unparalleled capabilities in microbiology, as well as the rest of its competencies nationwide, and to a broader client base. In return, Agro-Analyses will benefit from Eurofins' industry-leading laboratory network, including access to the Group's comprehensive analytical portfolio, as well as logistical infrastructure.

Eurofins CEO Gilles Martin says, "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."