Linked by their common commitments and complementary activities, the three partners commit themselves to the development and funding of projects in Africa, bridging public health and nutritional issues. The combination of their respective technical, industrial and managerial skills, will be used to support initiatives that have impact and meaning.

A first axis of reflection focuses on offering products and services to people suffering from noncommunicable diseases in West Africa to encourage the treatment and prevention of these pathologies, whose progression is exponential.

Safir’s three partners also want to examine the structuring of agro-food laboratories in microbiology and chemistry, particularly in East Africa. Beyond the local needs for analysis, this new approach should allow an effective response to broader issues like local economic development and the need to strengthen technical expertise.

Safir has at its creation an extensive social object inscribed in its statutes. The latter, by explicitly targeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensures a comprehensive and coherent framework for action.

This partnership strengthens the links between two French family groups, recognized worldwide for their expertise and to which Bpifrance is proud to provide support and know-how in terms of equity investment and project funding.

For Adeline Lescanne-Gautier, Managing Director of Nutriset: “Safir is the tangible evidence of Nutriset’s will to carry out joint projects alongside partners whose conviction, ethics and actions we share. This tool should allow us to bring our visions and our complementarities in favor of long-term solutions. I am delighted to be able to implement it. “

“Protecting consumers’ health all over the world is in the DNA of Mérieux NutriSciences. We are pleased to be part of this initiative alongside leading family and financial shareholders who share our values. We are also glad to bring our expertise to the service of public health in Africa.” says Philippe Sans, President & CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences.

For Jean-Louis Etchegoyhen, Director of the France Investissement Régions Fund at Bpifrance: “We are very proud to partner with the Nutriset Group and Mérieux NutriSciences in this project with a strong ambition in terms of socio-economic development. Faithful to Bpifrance’s DNA, we will be keen to bring our country expertise as well as investment and funding to contribute to the realization of meaningful local projects on the African continent.”

Press contacts:

Mérieux NutriSciences / Image Sept
Claire Doligez
cdoligez@image7.fr
+33 1 53 70 74 48

Groupe Nutriset
Adrien Naizet
anaizet@onyx-dev.fr
+33 2 35 05 98 87

Bpifrance
Christophe Menger
christophe.menger@bpifrance.fr
+33 1 41 79 95 12

About Mérieux NutriSciences: A world player in food safety and quality for more than 50 years, Mérieux NutriSciences is present in 26 countries through more than 100 laboratories. As part of Institut Mérieux, Mérieux NutriSciences offers analytical and product development solutions to prevent health risks related to food and more generally to the use of everyday consumer products. The company also offers digital solutions as part of its dedicated business unit. www.merieuxnutrisciences.com

About Bpifrance: Bpifrance finances companies – at every stage of their development – in credit, guarantee and equity. Bpifrance accompanies them in their innovation projects and internationally. Bpifrance also ensures their export activity through a wide range of products. Advice, university, networking and acceleration program for startups, SMEs and mid-caps companies are also part of the offer to entrepreneurs. Thanks to Bpifrance and its 48 regional locations, entrepreneurs benefit from a close, unique and effective interlocutor to help them face their challenges. www.bpifrance.fr – https://presse.bpifrance.fr/ – @Bpifrance – @BpifrancePresse

About Nutriset: Specialized in the production of therapeutic foods and with a nutritional impact, Nutriset Group, headquartered in Malaunay, Normandy, has for thirty years contributed to the treatment and prevention of malnutrition in southern countries. The Group is increasing its field of research and intervention in the area of nutrition towards vulnerable populations. It strengthens its offer to meet all nutritional needs. www.groupenutriset.fr