Microbial testing firm taken over by US giant

A GREATER Manchester-based specialist in microbial testing for the global food, water, industrial and clinical markets has been sold to US food safety company Neogen Corporation.

Lab M Holdings, which develops manufactures and supplies microbiological culture media and diagnostic systems across more than 70 countries, has a strong client base in Europe, the Middle East and India.

Legal firm DWF, led by Manchester-based corporate partner Jonathan Robinson with support from Mel Kay, advised Lab M Holdings, its founder Colin Goodwille in addition to Maven Capital Partners and Albion Ventures on the deal, the value of which was not disclosed.

Michigan-headquartered Neogen develops and markets products dedicated to food and animal safety. The international food safety company will maintain Lab M’s current facility in Heywood with 40 staff, and its operations will be managed by Neogen’s Scotland-based Europe subsidiary.

Robinson said: “The deal sees two complementary companies coming together to deliver a new enhanced service for a wide ranging client base.

“Lab M’s expertise will bring new capabilities and products to Neogen’s global food safety business and we were pleased to support Lab M Holdings through the acquisition.”