Expanding its scientific services in food safety and quality in Turkey, Mérieux NutriSciences Corporation has acquired Kalite Sistem Laboratories Group (KSL), a leading independent food testing laboratory based in Istanbul.

Founded in 1991 by the Gökçe Family, KSL has a long history in food testing, research, consultancy, training, certification and inspection. Thanks to its multiple accreditations, high scientific expertise and best in class service delivery, KSL is known as one of the best services providers in Turkey. KSL is affiliated with the AGES-Austrian Agency for Health and Food safety and has been involved in several European Union projects as coordinator or partner. On top of food testing, KSL has developed a large range of testing services for cosmetic and consumer good products to better serve the Turkish market. KSL laboratory, based in Istanbul, employs more than 80 people.

This laboratory reinforces the Turkish network of Mérieux NutriSciences, already present in this region with EgeChelab since 2012. KSL and EgeChelab operations will rapidly be combined and will operate as one single company in order to fulfill client requirements. Nerma Gökçe and Samim Saner will keep their
responsibilities, respectively as chairman and general manager, and will take leadership in the development of Mérieux NutriSciences operations in Turkey.

“This investment is part of the Mérieux NutriSciences’ external growth strategy in dynamic markets and follows up on two major acquisitions in 2014, in China and Italy. KSL brings to the group a leading position in Turkey, reinforces our capabilities to serve our food customers but also strengthens our position in the cosmetic and consumer goods testing markets. I am particularly pleased that Nerma Gökçe and Samim Saner, as renowned entrepreneurs and scientists, join the Group,” stated Philippe Sans, President and CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences.

“Since its foundation 20 years ago, KSL has always strived to lead the testing market in Turkey, specifically for serving the food and retail industry. This leadership has been based on a constant focus on scientific excellence and customer service. I am proud that KSL is now joining 
Mérieux NutriSciences. Being part of a large leading international group will allow KSL to reinforce its position as a leading service company in Turkey and other adjacent geographies,” said Nerma Gökçe.