Eurofins signs agreement to develop Bio-Access/Labazur clinical laboratories together with its founder and the medical biologists leading its laboratories

Eurofins Scientific (EUFI.PA), the global leader in bio-analytical testing, and one of the world leaders in genomic services, announces that it has signed an agreement to take control, together with its founder, Dr. Jean-Louis Oger and its current leadership, of Bio-Access, a group of clinical diagnostic laboratories in France, for an investment by Eurofins of approximately EUR 150m plus ca. EUR 75m of assumed debt. The transaction is expected to close within a few months, subject to fulfillment of specific conditions precedent, as well as other customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, in particular the clearance from the French competition authority. Several current shareholders, all of whom are professional clinical biologists, will invest and hold the remainder of the shares in Bio-Access post-closing. Eurofins also committed to provide liquidity in the mid-term for their investment.

With 103 sites, 7 of which  are regional central laboratories, located in 4 of the country's main regions, Bio-Access is one of the leading groups of medical biology laboratories (LBMs) in France, with a focus in the southeast (Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur), and in the west (Bretagne) of the country, as well as in Guyana. The company's multiple biological diagnostic competencies include immunology, oncology and infectious diseases. Bio-Access employs about 1,100 staff across its laboratories, and expects to generate revenues of about EUR 140m in 2015, with an EBITDA margin in-line with Eurofins' objective.

Founded in 2009, Bio-Access has grown rapidly by consolidating its core regions through acquisitions, to create a strong platform to provide high-quality, comprehensive medical diagnostic testing services. Given the ongoing consolidation in the clinical testing market in Europe, and specifically in France, the company is well-positioned to leverage and further strengthen its footprint in the country.

Bio-Access provides Eurofins an entry platform into the complex European clinical diagnostic testing market, on which to deploy its technical know-how and proprietary technologies, including the competencies in specialty diagnostic testing that the Group has obtained, and continues to develop, following the acquisition of ViraCor, Boston Heart and Diatherix in the US. Eurofins' vast analytical portfolio and technical resources, as well as the Group's world class laboratory and systems infrastructure, should facilitate the further development of Bio-Access' portfolio of genomic tests and services, as well as the expansion of its footprint and client reach.

Comment from Dr. Gilles Martin, Eurofins CEO: "This investment in Bio-Access provides Eurofins an opportunity to expand the Group's growing clinical diagnostic competence in Europe. I am proud to welcome an excellent team of successful clinicians and entrepreneurs who have demonstrated their talent in building in record time a network of high quality clinical laboratories with exceptional levels of medical competence and service to patients and clinicians. We are committed to supporting Bio-Access in further developing its service offering and its geographic footprint to better serve its existing and potential network of patients and clinicians."

"This transaction provides us the means to continue our development in the regions where we operate, as well as throughout France, as peers and colleagues nationwide have expressed strong interest in joining the Labazur project. Moreover, this partnership with Eurofins will enable us to expand our analytical portfolio", said Dr. Jean-Louis Oger, Bio-Access/Labazur CEO.

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

Notes for the editor:

Eurofins - a global leader in bio-analysis

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 17,000 staff in more than 200 laboratories across 36 countries, Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 130,000 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 on 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 Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN FR0000038259, Reuters EUFI.PA, Bloomberg ERF FP).

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 information available to the Company’s management as of the date of publication, but no guarantee can be made as to their validity.