Mérieux NutriSciences enters German food safety testing market with acquisition of Kirchhoff Institute

Mérieux NutriSciences expands its footprint in Europe

11-Jul-2019 - France

Mérieux NutriSciences today announced the acquisition of Institut Kirchhoff Berlin GmbH, a Berlin-based company providing high quality chemical, physical, molecular biological and microbiological studies using state of the art analysis equipment and inspection services for the food industry.

Established in 1983 by Dr. Erhard Kirchhoff and employing 180 people, Institut Kirchhoff brings more than 30 years’ experience in food safety with a highly recognized scientific expertise in the German market and beyond. The company operates a Berlin-based accredited laboratory covering a surface area of 5000m2 (54 000 sqft) in which approximately 90 000 samples are processed every year.

With the recent purchase of the German food labeling and regulatory business of Swiss Food, Mérieux NutriSciences will now offer a complete range of food safety services to the German food industry.

“This acquisition is a major step in our strategy to become a leader on the European food safety segment as it enables us to enter one of the most important market in Europe. We are delighted to have the talented team of Institut Kirchhoff Berlin and its founders join us, and both companies share commitment to the highest quality standards in order to contribute to protecting consumer’s health.” said Philippe Sans, President and Chief Executive Officer at Mérieux NutriSciences.

Dr. Erhard Kirchhoff and Dr. Jutta Kunert-Kirchhoff, Institut Kirchhoff founders, added: “We are pleased that the change in ownership has put the future of Institut Kirchhoff in a forward-looking and sustainable direction. We are convinced that this step will enable us to develop our potential even more intensively.”

Mérieux NutriSciences has acquired all shares of Institut Kirchhoff Berlin GmbH. The company generated sales of about EUR 14 million in 2018 with very strong double-digit growth year on year.

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Topic world Food safety

Food safety is at the heart of the food and beverage industry. It ensures that the food we eat every day is not only nutritious, but also free of harmful contaminants. From field to plate, the industry monitors and regulates every step of the process with strict quality controls, advanced testing methods and continuous research.

View topic world

Topic world Food safety

Food safety is at the heart of the food and beverage industry. It ensures that the food we eat every day is not only nutritious, but also free of harmful contaminants. From field to plate, the industry monitors and regulates every step of the process with strict quality controls, advanced testing methods and continuous research.