MilliporeSigma, Billerica, Mass., acquired BioControl Systems Inc., a Bellevue, Wash.-based leader in food safety testing. The acquisition opens growth opportunities for MilliporeSigma in the food and beverage space, particularly in the United States.

BioControl's established rapid detection technology and third-party-validated testing platforms complement MilliporeSigma's portfolio of instruments and consumables in its applied solutions business geared to the food pathogen testing workflow.

"BioControl's acquisition strengthens our ability to help customers protect the global food supply by providing an expansive portfolio of state-of-the-art testing technology," says Udit Batra, chief executive officer of MilliporeSigma. "BioControl's innovative assays and validated kits, when combined with MilliporeSigma's strengths in microbiology, filtration and e-commerce, will create a strong global provider aimed at solving tough challenges in the food pathogen testing space."

BioControl's product portfolio includes pathogen detection kits to identify food poisoning bacteria in food and ingredients.

"MilliporeSigma is the best home for Biocontrol, our customers and our employees," says Phil Feldsine, president and CEO of BioControl. "MilliporeSigma's global market presence as a leader in laboratory sciences will introduce BioControl's innovative, customer-oriented solutions to a much broader base worldwide while providing existing customers with access to MilliporeSigma's food safety product portfolio and expertise. The opportunity for BioControl to become part of a world-class 350-year-old organization with a reputation for doing it the right way is very rewarding."

The acquisition is in line with MilliporeSigma's strategy to expand in key geographies and provide a differentiated experience to customers in applied settings, including food and beverage safety testing.