CMA clears Eurofins' acquisition of Cellmark in a record timeframe

We have advised Eurofins Scientific (EUFI.PA), the global leader in food testing and a global scientific leader in bioanalytical testing, in the approval by the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) of the acquisition a competitor within an exceptionally fast timeframe.

On 18 July 2024 the CMA initiated a Phase 1 investigation into the anticipated acquisition by  Eurofins of Cellmark Forensic Science, a competitor. On 2 August, 11 working days later,  the CMA cleared the transaction. A record timeframe.

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and the environment safer, healthier and more sustainable.

Established in 1987, Cellmark has three decades' experience of providing police forces with high quality, specialist forensic science services.

Both firms are active in the supply of forensic science services. This includes amongst others DNA testing, footprints or fibre analysis. The customers include UK police forces, law enforcement agencies and local authorities. The CMA considered that it had jurisdiction over the transaction due to the parties' activities in the supply of "traditional" forensic sciences services in England and Wales, where the parties had a combined share in excess of 80%.

After considering the evidence, the CMA accepted the exiting firm defence and consequently found that there was not a significant lessening of competition.

Commenting on the CMA's decision, our competition partner Paolo Palmigiano said: "The speed at which the CMA issued its unconditional clearance is unprecedented and demonstrates its understanding of the distinctive dynamics of this market and of the position that Cellmark had found itself in. With the approval of this transaction and with Eurofins' acquisition, Cellmark will be able to continue to provide much needed forensic science services within the criminal justice system."

Our team advising Eurofins on the CMA's inquiry was led by Paolo Palmigiano and Louisa Penny with support from Liz Rotondo.