Homewood, IL June 25, 2009 - Silliker, the world leader in the field of food safety and quality services and part of the Mérieux Alliance group of companies, announced today that it has acquired 100% of Biofortis.
Biofortis, a French pioneer in nutrition clinical studies, was founded by Murielle Cazaubiel in 2002. This innovative Contract Research Organization (CRO) offers two types of specialized services to clients: managing clinical trials to obtain scientific proof of claims for food and pharmaceutical products, health ingredients, or additives, and developing specific biological markers.
Through its "Central Lab" which specializes in metabolism disorders, Biofortis possesses the capabilities to integrate the most recent biomarkers into nutrition clinical studies.
This acquisition is a key milestone for Silliker in its objective to enhance unique research services to food and ingredients manufacturers worldwide. One major area of innovation and development for these companies is related to their ability to provide healthier food with proven health benefits. At the same time, regulations are tightening and consumers are becoming more demanding. As a result of these tendencies, food companies need additional expertise and support to accelerate the development and commercialization of new products and to prove the effectiveness of their products.
"As a leader in its field and with the continued leadership of Murielle Cazaubiel, Biofortis will complete and reinforce Silliker capabilities on a worldwide basis to support ingredients and food manufacturers throughout the product development process," said Philippe Sans, CEO of Silliker.
"Being part of Silliker, Biofortis will be able to better leverage its expertise and thus accelerate its domestic and international development," said Murielle Cazaubiel, founder of Biofortis.