Mérieux NutriSciences has expanded its dairy testing capabilities and services in South Africa with the recent 100 percent shareholding acquisition of Lactolab (Pty) Ltd, an analytical laboratory serving dairy and dairy related industries.

Established in 2002, Lactolab specializes in the analysis of raw milk and dairy products for composition, hygienic quality and various other quality parameters. Lactolab operates a lab in Centurion--in the Gauteng region--equipped with cutting-edge instruments and technology.

“The acquisition of Lactolab arose from a necessity for the geographic expansion our offering to the South African dairy industry, following the overwhelming success of our raw milk testing laboratory which opened in Jeffreys Bay in 2015.” says Valmé Stewart, managing director of Mérieux NutriSciences in South Africa.

Philippe Sans, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mérieux NutriSciences, adds: “The purchase of Lactolab, whose name is synonymous with dairy expertise in South Africa, enables us to extend our dairy testing offering to our clients and the industry in the north of the country.”

Over the coming months, Lactolab will be transitioned into the Mérieux NutriSciences laboratory network. This acquisition marks the fourth acquisition by Mérieux NutriSciences in Fiscal Year 16 (starting October 1, 2015).