Multinational pharmaceutical company MilliporeSigma has acquired food safety testing firm BioControl Systems.

Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed by either company.

The acquisition has enabled MilliporeSigma to enter into the food and beverage industry, particularly in the US.

“The opportunity for BioControl to become part of a world-class 350-year-old organisation with a reputation for doing it the right way is very rewarding.”

MilliporeSigma CEO Udit Batra said: “BioControls acquisition strengthens our ability to help customers protect the global food supply by providing an expansive portfolio of state-of-the-art testing technology.

“BioControls innovative assays and validated kits, when combined with MilliporeSigmas strengths in microbiology, filtration and e-commerce will create a strong global provider aimed at solving tough challenges in the food pathogen testing space.”

Operating as MilliporeSigma in the US and Canada, Mercks life science business is reportedly be one of the oldest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

BioControl has developed a rapid detection technology, as well as third-party validated testing platforms that complement MilliporeSigmas portfolio of instruments and consumables in its applied solutions business.

BioControl president and chief executive Phil Feldsine said: “MilliporeSigma is the best home for Biocontrol, our customers and our employees.

“MilliporeSigmas global market presence as a leader in laboratory sciences will introduce BioControls innovative, customer-oriented solutions to a much broader base worldwide, while providing existing customers with access to MilliporeSigmas food safety product portfolio and expertise.

“The opportunity for BioControl to become part of a world-class 350-year-old organisation with a reputation for doing it the right way is very rewarding.”