Mérieux NutriSciences Corporation has agreed to acquire ABC Research Holding Co., LLC, Gainesville, FL, expanding its food testing and consulting services to two full-service operations in Florida (Gainesville and Lakeland).

Founded in 1967 by Dr. William Brown, ABC Research is an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory providing a full-spectrum of microbiology and chemistry services. Since 2007, under the previous leadership of CEO and owner Eric Graves, ABC Research has invested in new cutting-edge methods and technologies, resulting in significant growth for the 48-year-old company.

Philippe Sans, president and CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences, said: “ABC Research brings a long record of scientific excellence and innovation to our organization that will allow us to expand our portfolio of services to industry stakeholders.”

Noting that ABC Research will enhance Mérieux NutriSciences’ breadth of services in a number of areas, including nutritional testing and FDA detention services, Mérieux NutriSciences President of North America Jim Miller said the Gainesville laboratory will serve as a key strategic location for nutritional testing services. “With the 2012 opening of our state-of-the-art laboratory in Crete, IL, we significantly increased our chemistry testing capabilities,” Mr. Miller stated. “With the addition of ABC Research, we have taken our chemistry offerings to an even higher level enabling us to more rapidly respond to industry needs.”

“This is a noteworthy day in the food testing industry,” Mr. Graves said. “Both Silliker, now Mérieux NutriSciences, and ABC Research opened for business in 1967 under the guidance of two notable scientists, the late Dr. John H. Silliker and Dr. William L. Brown. For years, we have shared a commitment to scientific innovation coupled with dedicated customer service. These shared philosophies will result in even more focused services and solutions for our customers.”

Over the coming months, ABC Research will be transitioned into the Mérieux NutriSciences laboratory network. The Gainesville facility has 75 employees and maintains a relationship with the University of Florida Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition to provide employment opportunities for students and graduates.