Eurofins reinforces its footprint in Latin America with the acquisition of a majority stake in GCL Chile

Eurofins Scientific (EUFI.PA), the global leader in food and feed testing, announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire a 52% majority stake in GCL/Fundación Chile (GCL), the leading food testing service provider in the country.

As the national reference in food testing, GCL offers the most comprehensive range of analytical services for the entire food industry, and has strong competencies in microbiology, chemistry and physicochemical analyses.  The acquisition facilitates a solid platform to roll-out Eurofins' technology and network capabilities in Chile and the rest of the region, and allow GCL to further develop its competencies and expand its range of services. Established in 2003 by Fundaciόn Chile, GCL employs 180 staff in its sites in Santiago and Concepción.

As one of the top food suppliers in the world, the food industry is Chile's second largest export sector. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations estimate that by 2030, the food industry will represent about 35% of Chile's GDP, from under 25% at present¹, implying significant growth prospects.  Whilst the acquisition provides Eurofins an entry into the attractive food testing market in Chile, the strength of the Group's state-of-the-art laboratory network, and its international footprint should support the country's growing food industry.

Comment from Dr. Gilles Martin, Eurofins CEO: "GCL provides Eurofins a solid entry into the food testing market in Chile and an excellent opportunity to support its thriving food industry.  We are looking forward to strengthening GCL's position in the market by offering the full range of services and capabilities of the Eurofins Group."

Comment by Andrés Pesce, VP for Business Development & Investment at Fundación Chile: "With this transaction Fundación Chile closes an important cycle in its aim to foster the development of Chile through innovation; firstly, by being a pioneer in the field of food safety by founding GCL, and now, partnering with the world leader in food testing. The arrival of Eurofins is an important milestone for Chile's food industry, where growth depends on compliance to the ever more strict quality & safety standards that consumers around the world demand."

For more information, please visit www.eurofins.com or contact:

Notes for the editor:

Eurofins Scientific is the world leader in food and pharmaceutical products testing. It is also number one in the world in the field of environmental laboratory services and one of the global market leaders in agroscience, genomics, discovery pharmacology and central laboratory services.

With over 13,000 staff in more than 170 laboratories across 34 countries, Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 100,000 reliable analytical methods for evaluating the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin and purity of biological substances and products. The Group provides its customers with high-quality services, accurate results in time and expert advice by its highly qualified staff.

Eurofins is committed to pursuing its dynamic growth strategy by expanding both its technology portfolio and its geographic reach. Through R&D and acquisitions, the Group draws on the latest developments in the field of biotechnology and analytical chemistry to offer its clients unique analytical solutions and the most comprehensive range of testing methods.

As one of the most innovative and quality oriented international players in its industry, Eurofins is ideally positioned to support its clients' increasingly stringent quality and safety standards and the expanding demands of regulatory authorities around the world.

The shares of Eurofins Scientific are listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN FR0000038259, Reuters EUFI.PA, Bloomberg ERF FP).

About Fundación Chile

Fundación Chile (FCh) is a unique public-private partnership fostering innovations that "move the boundary of possibility." Its partners are the Chilean government and BHP Billiton - Escondida Mine. We partner globally to provide a high impact response to address our country's challenges-ultimately, today's global challenges: sustainability, human capital development, healthier food, and digitalization. Since our creation in 1976 by the Chilean government and ITT Corporation, this non-profit has generated over two billion dollars in social value in industries and enterprises initiated by FCh.

FCh is a "do-tank," pioneering new sectors through a portfolio of capacity building initiatives, demonstrative companies, and enabling technology services. We are best known for jumpstarting the farmed salmon industry in the 1980s, launching Chile's first venture capital funds in the 1990s, moving into renewable energy in the 2000s and launching Latin America's first Climate Exchange. The organization's dynamic response to the country's ever changing needs speaks of challenges faced to remain competitive in a global context.

Important disclaimer:

This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements and estimates contained herein represent the judgement of Eurofins Scientific’ management as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance, and the forward-looking events discussed in this release may not occur. Eurofins Scientific disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements and estimates. All statements and estimates are made based on the data available to the Company as of the date of publication, but no guarantee can be made as to their validity.