Eurofins strengthens its Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing technology portfolio with the acquisition of a majority stake in LifeCodexx

Eurofins Scientific (EUFI.PA), a global leader in bio-analytical testing, announces that it has closed the acquisition of GATC Biotech AG (“GATC”) (see press release published on June 2^nd). This transaction comprises the acquisition of 62.63% of the shares owned by GATC in LifeCodexx AG (“LifeCodexx”), one of Europe’s specialists in non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).

As Europe’s first NIPT provider, LifeCodexx, headquartered in Constance, Germany, has been developing innovative and clinically validated non-invasive diagnostic tests based on the newest molecular analytical methods since 2010. With the PrenaTest®, Europe’s first non-invasive prenatal test for the determination of the most common chromosomal disorders in unborn children, launched in 2012, LifeCodexx has been changing prenatal diagnostics considerably. PrenaTest® is currently available in around 50 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Moreover, LifeCodexx successfully transferred its NIPT technology based on next generation sequencing to several partners in Germany and Switzerland, and continues to promote technology transfers to partners in other countries. Following a positive CE marking, LifeCodexx is currently in the middle of rolling-out its new, low cost qPCR-based solution for trisomy 21 analysis. The company generated revenues of about EUR 7m in 2016.

Comment from Dr. Gilles Martin, Eurofins CEO: “Together with GATC, the acquisition of LifeCodexx will complement Eurofins technological portfolio in genomic services with unique low cost qPCR-based NIPT capabilities. We look forward to further developing Eurofins leading offer in non-invasive prenatal testing, and providing LifeCodexx access to the complete competencies of the Eurofins Group and its global distribution network. After the recent acquisition of Genoma Laboratory Group, this acquisition should further reinforce Eurofins' footprint in NIPT testing, and strengthen the Group's technology portfolio in this field.”

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

Notes for the editor:

Eurofins – a global leader in bio-analysis

Eurofins Scientific SE through its subsidiaries (hereinafter sometimes “Eurofins” or “the Group”) believes it is the world leader in food, environment and pharmaceutical products testing and that it is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for agroscience, genomics, discovery pharmacology and for supporting clinical studies. In addition, Eurofins is one of the key emerging players in specialty clinical diagnostic testing in Europe and the USA. With over 30,000 staff in 375 laboratories across 41 countries, Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 130,000 analytical methods for evaluating the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin and purity of biological substances and products, as well as for innovative clinical diagnostic. The Group objective is to provide 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 SE 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 SE’s 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 SE 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.