Eurofins acquires LGC Forensics

13-Oct-2017 - United Kingdom

Eurofins Scientific announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire the forensics and Security division of LGC (“LGC Forensics”), the largest player in the UK forensics market, a European pioneer in this field and a significant forensic DNA testing provider in Germany, from LGC Group. The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, upon fulfillment of customary closing conditions.

LGC Forensics provides the most comprehensive range of forensic science services including casework, DNA testing, digital forensics, drugs and toxicology and firearms. The company has over 120 accredited methods, significantly more than any of their competitors. LGC Forensics completes over 34,000 casework investigations per annum. LGC Forensics is one of the most trusted forensic services providers in the world, benefitting from strong customer relationships with major police forces in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. The company employs over 650 staff in eight locations, seven in the UK and one in Germany, and generates annual revenues in excess of EUR 45m.

The acquisition of LGC Forensics is an opportunity for Eurofins Forensics to reshape the European forensic market, thanks to the combination of Eurofins and LGC Forensics’ capabilities and industry-leading delivery performance. Eurofins’ offering in the forensic market is now unique, with its scientific consulting, expert witness services, strengthened DNA testing (more than 500,000 samples processed annually) and toxicology testing. This market has significant growth opportunities stemming from regulator’s increased focus on quality standards and accreditation, as well as growing outsourcing trends. Additionally, LGC Forensics’ digital forensic services will provide Eurofins with new, state-of-the-art, skills and technologies including: computer and mobile phone forensic services, cell site analysis, imagery and audio analysis. Digital forensics is a clear development path for the future of the forensics market, which is characterized by an increasing prevalence of cyber-crimes.

Comment from Dr. Gilles Martin, Eurofins’ CEO: “We are pleased to welcome LGC Forensics, a highly renowned laboratory group, to Eurofins’ family of businesses. In addition to the large volume of DNA testing it carries out, LGC Forensics adds another spectrum of new advanced services that Eurofins can now offer to its clients. In return, LGC Forensics will gain access to the Group’s entire portfolio of competencies, logistics and clients, which should help reinforce their leadership in the UK and German forensics markets and expand their offering to other European countries. This transaction is another demonstration of Eurofins’ commitment to acquire advanced technologies to expand its state-of-the-art portfolio of analytical services.”

Dr. Mark Pearse, Managing Director, LGC, Forensic and Security Division: “I am delighted that we will soon be part of Eurofins. This news follows the division’s recent commercial successes, both in the UK and abroad, and is testament to the team’s commitment to develop innovative operational models, working in close partnership with the UK forces. As we begin to see greater stability in the funding and delivery of forensics in the UK, Eurofins will continue to provide leadership long in to the future, building on the expertise of our world-renowned employees.”

Tim Robinson, CEO LGC, said: “We are proud to have played a crucial role in the UK forensics landscape in the last two decades. During that time, LGC has invested significantly in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of delivering forensic evidence, with a very strong focus on quality and innovation. I am confident that the business is set for a successful and exciting future under the global reach and scientific expertise of Eurofins.”

https://www.analytica-world.com/en/news/165249/eurofins-acquires-lgc-forensics.html