Mérieux NutriSciences Acquires Equity Position in IDAC

CHICAGOMérieux NutriSciences Corporation acquired an equity position in Inspection, Diagnosis and Analysis Lab Company (IDAC), a provider of food testing services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Pending approval from the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), the joint venture will ultimately operate under the new brand name "IDAC Silliker," and grow its service portfolio to meet rising demand from clients that face increased challenges in food safety and quality. Silliker is the food safety division of Mérieux NutriSciences.

A signing ceremony took place Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Alfaisalyyah Hotel in Riyadh. Together IDAC and Mérieux NutriSciences will develop, around the current analytical capabilities of IDAC, a range of solutions for clients in the food industry.

Founded in 2003 and located in Riyadh, IDAC is privately-held by the Saudi firm, Arabian Agricultural Services Company (Arasco). IDAC performs more than 1,600 different tests in 13 specialized laboratories. IDAC is the only laboratory in the region to comply with internationally recognized accreditations such as IAS ISO 17025, SAC ISO 17025 and ISO 9001.

This joint venture investment is in line with our strategic goal to further spread our expertise and know-how, and offer a global qualitative service to our customers," said Philippe Sans, president and CEO, Mérieux NutriSciences. "Our trusted relationship with IDAC provides the solid foundation for Mérieux NutriSciences extension into the Middle East."

This joint venture will transform IDAC from a standard laboratory business into a provider of value-added solutions. IDAC Silliker will provide the full range of testing, inspection and certification services to manufacturers, retailers and restaurants," said Haitham Altraif, CEO, IDAC.

Last year, Mérieux NutriSciences expanded service offer to identify bisphenol A (BPA) levels in food and food contact materials. The expanded service, which assists clients in identifying BPA in food and food contact materials, and supports the quality of food contact materials, comes on the heels of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reassessment of BPA.