Mérieux NutriSciences grows presence with Turkish deal
Kalite Sistem Laboratories Group (KSL) is active in food testing, research, consultancy, training, certification and inspection.
KSL is affiliated with the AGES-Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety and has been involved in several European Union projects as coordinator or partner.
The firm, based in Istanbul, employs more than 80 people.
Market growth dynamic
Jean-François Billet, senior vice president corporate development at Mérieux NutriSciences, said the presence of international foods manufacturers and ability to find well educated employees and scientists made it an attractive market.
“Turkey is a significant exporter of fruits and vegetables to Europe or Russia for example,” he told FoodQualityNews.com.
“There is a need to control exportation for residues and other contaminants. There is also significant local production for the Turkish market and a need to support manufacturers and retailers in controlling food safety and quality.
“We already had operations in Egechelab (Izmir), serving mostly the export market for residues testing. KSL is very complementary to our EgeChelab operatons located in Istanbul.”
Grows market presence
It grows Mérieux NutriSciences’ presence in the region following the acquisition of EgeChelab in 2012.
KSL and EgeChelab will be combined and operate as one single company.
Philippe Sans, president and CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences, said the investment is part of its external growth strategy and follows two major acquisitions this year, in China and Italy.
“KSL brings to the group a leading position in Turkey, reinforces our capabilities to serve our food customers but also strengthens our position in the cosmetic and consumer goods testing markets,” he said.
Nerma Gökçe and Samim Saner will keep their responsibilities, as chairman and general manager, and will take leadership in the development of Mérieux NutriSciences operations in Turkey.
Gökçe said the firm, which formed in 1991, works in the testing market, specifically for the food and retail industry.
“Being part of a large leading international group will allow KSL to reinforce its position as a leading service company in Turkey and other adjacent geographies,” he said.
