CNTA SAC is the Peruvian subsidiary of CNTA (Centro Nacional de Tecnologia y Seguridad Alimentaria). CNTA SAC was founded in 2013 to provide a broad suite of food testing services to Spanish food industries willing to expand abroad. Today, CNTA SAC provides best-in-class chemistry and microbiology services to the food supply industry in Peru and neighbouring countries such as Bolivia with a strong and recognized expertise in pesticide residues.

CNTA SAC is accredited by ANAB (ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board), SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria) and employs 30 people on a 800 m2 (~8600 sq ft) site in Lima.

Philippe Sans, President and CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences commented: “This acquisition provides Mérieux NutriSciences with a valuable entry into the food testing market in Peru. In return, CNTA SAC will benefit from the strength, experience and expertise of Mérieux NutriSciences worldwide network. We look forward to working together with CNTA SAC talented team to build mutual success.”

“Peru is a highly strategic addition to our South American network that will enable us to better cover the continent to the benefit of our customers.” added Eugenio Luporini, Managing Director South America.

Hector Barbarin, Managing Director of CNTA Spain said: “This sale is completely in line with our strategy and we are very excited about the future it brings to both CNTA and CNTA SAC. The strength and worldwide presence of Mérieux NutriSciences create promising perspectives for CNTA SAC and its management team. It also allows CNTA to pursue its growth strategy by providing the resources needed to create more value added services for our associated members and customers. So far we have invested in new facilities, equipment and talents; it is now time to go one step further and create an impact on the competitiveness of the food industry.“

Mérieux NutriSciences and CNTA SAC will start integration process, focusing on leveraging the positive synergies between both companies.