MilliporeSigma strengthens pathogen testing with BioControl acquisition

MilliporeSigma, the life science business of Merck KGaA, has acquired BioControl Systems, a leader in food safety testing. The acquisition opens growth opportunities for MilliporeSigma in the food and beverage space, particularly in the United States. BioControl’s established rapid detection technology and third-party validated testing platforms complement MilliporeSigma’s portfolio of instruments and consumables in its applied solutions business geared to the food pathogen testing workflow.

“BioControl’s acquisition strengthens our ability to help customers protect the global food supply by providing an expansive portfolio of state-of-the-art testing technology,” said Udit Batra, member of the executive board of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and CEO of MilliporeSigma. “BioControl’s innovative assays and validated kits, when combined with MilliporeSigma’s strengths in microbiology, filtration, and e-commerce will create a strong global provider aimed at solving tough challenges in the food pathogen testing space.”

The acquisition is in line with MilliporeSigma’s strategy to expand in key geographies and provide a differentiated experience to customers in applied settings, including food and beverage safety testing. While the business will continue to focus on microbial quality control solutions for pharmaceutical production processes and products, the acquisition will enable MilliporeSigma to offer a complete food pathogen testing platform to its customers in the food and beverage safety testing market.

Press release (pdf)