News in Brief
Mérieux NutriSciences acquires majority stake in Colombian lab
![Mérieux NutriSciences has entered the Colombian market](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/wrbm_large/publications/food-beverage-nutrition/foodqualitynews.com/news/industry-news/merieux-nutrisciences-expands-into-colombia/7661834-1-eng-GB/Merieux-NutriSciences-expands-into-Colombia.png)
The firm did not reveal the percentage of the stake or the investment amount.
Tecnimicro Laboratorio de Analisis provides microbiology and chemistry services to the food and pharmaceutical industries.
The company employs 150 people and operates three labs in Medellin, Bogota and Baranquilla covering a surface area of 1400 m2 (~15000 sq ft).
Clients include PepsiCo, Corona, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Colanta, Gerfor and Sodexo.
Carlos Saldarriaga, CEO of Tecnimicro Laboratorio de Analisis, said: “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.”
Tecnimicro Laboratorio de Analisis will be transitioned into the Mérieux NutriSciences network and all the employees will join its 6,500 staff.
“Mérieux NutriSciences is already present in Chile and in Brazil, as well as in Mexico through our North America organization. Colombia is a highly strategic addition to our South American network that will enable us to better cover the continent,” said Eugenio Luporini, managing director South America.
Philippe Sans, president and CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences, said the investment is part of its strategy to expand in high growth potential markets.
“Moreover Tecnimicro's leading position in Colombia and competencies complement Mérieux NutriSciences' recognized capabilities and reinforce the company's growing South American footprint.”