Houlihan Lokey Advises Certified Group

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Certified Group (Certified or the company), a portfolio company of Warburg Pincus, has agreed to be acquired by Mérieux NutriSciences (Mérieux). The transaction is expected to close by the last quarter of 2026, once customary closing conditions have been met.

Certified, backed by Warburg Pincus, generates approximately $300 million in revenue through a network of 31 laboratories across North America. The company provides a comprehensive suite of services, including core microbiology and chemistry testing services, contract research, certification and audit services, and regulatory consulting. Certified comprises three verticals: Food & Beverage, through its Food Safety Net Services and Certified Labs businesses, has leading positions in protein, dairy, packaged foods, and FDA Import Services; COS, a recognized expert in cosmetics, OTC products, and Supplements testing; and Labstat International, a prominent reduced-harm nicotine product testing lab. Within the food sector, Certified has built a strong reputation as a bellwether for safety and quality in the animal proteins industry, with extensive expertise in processed food, dairy, nuts, and spices.

Mérieux is a leading provider of solutions for food safety, quality, and sustainability. The company leverages 60 years of scientific and entrepreneurial expertise to deliver practical and innovative solutions that will contribute to making food systems safer, healthier, and more sustainable. Mérieux operates worldwide with more than 140 accredited laboratories and a team of more than 10,000 employees.

Warburg Pincus is a leading global private equity firm focused on growth investing. A private partnership since 1966, the firm has the flexibility and experience to focus on helping investors and management teams achieve enduring success across market cycles. Today, the firm has more than $105 billion in assets under management, and more than 225 companies in its active portfolio, diversified across stages, sectors, and geographies. Warburg Pincus has invested in more than 1,100 companies across its private equity, real estate, and capital solutions strategies. The firm is headquartered in New York with more than 15 offices globally.

Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial advisor and assisted in marketing, structuring, and negotiating the transaction on behalf of Certified and Warburg Pincus. This transaction exemplifies the continued success of Houlihan Lokey’s dedicated coverage of the Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance sector, with dedicated expertise in food safety.

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