Astorg announces plans to combine Oxoid Remel Microbiology and Solabia's microbiology diagnostics division to create a leading global microbiology platform
Luxembourg/New York/Paris, 20 October 2026 — Astorg, a leading pan-European private equity firm, today announced the proposed acquisition by Oxoid Remel Microbiology of the microbiology diagnostics division of its portfolio company Solabia, which includes Biokar Diagnostics, with the aim of creating a leading global microbiology platform serving customers across clinical diagnostics, food safety and pharmaceutical testing.
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Proposed combination would bring together complementary capabilities across clinical diagnostics, food safety and pharmaceutical testing
The proposed combination would build on Astorg's acquisition of Thermo Fisher Scientific's global microbiology business, Oxoid Remel Microbiology, which completed in August 2026. The combined business will be led by Dirk Bontridder, Chief Executive Officer of Oxoid Remel Microbiology.
Oxoid Remel Microbiology provides diagnostic consumables and equipment used in microbiological testing across clinical, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, while Solabia's microbiology diagnostics division brings complementary expertise in microbiological culture media, particularly for food and beverage testing. Bringing together their respective product portfolios and customer relationships would create opportunities to introduce complementary products to existing customers, broaden the range of solutions available across different testing applications and reach new markets.
The proposed combination would create opportunities for international expansion, supported by the scientific expertise, Research and Development (R&D) capabilities and manufacturing knowledge across both businesses.
Throughout the proposed transaction and any subsequent transition, both businesses will remain focused on maintaining product quality, reliable supply and continuity of service for customers, distributors and partners.
“The proposed combination reflects our conviction in the microbiology sector and our approach to building leading healthcare businesses. Drawing on our deep sector expertise, we have identified an opportunity to bring together two highly complementary businesses to create a focused global microbiology platform. By combining their product portfolios, scientific expertise, and customer relationships, we see significant potential to accelerate commercial expansion, unlock cross-selling opportunities and drive continued innovation. We look forward to supporting Dirk, François, and the wider teams as they build a stronger international business positioned for long-term growth.”
"Microbiology plays a critical role in protecting patients, ensuring food and beverage safety, and safeguarding pharmaceutical production. The proposed combination with Solabia's microbiology diagnostics division represents an exciting opportunity to bring together two highly complementary businesses, broadening the solutions we can offer customers and strengthening our ability to serve them globally. We look forward to working with our future colleagues, including the Biokar team, with the support of Astorg, building on the scientific expertise and trusted products of both businesses to deliver better outcomes for our customers.”
"Our microbiology diagnostics businesses have built a strong reputation for high-quality microbiology solutions, underpinned by the expertise and commitment of our team. The proposed combination with Oxoid Remel Microbiology would be an exciting next chapter for our business, providing an opportunity to bring our products and expertise to a wider international customer base. Our focus remains on supporting our customers and maintaining the high standards they have come to expect from us."
TRANSACTION DETAILS
The planned transaction is subject to the execution of definitive agreements and customary regulatory approvals and other applicable closing conditions.
Astorg
Astorg is a leading pan-European private equity firm with over €24 billion of assets under management. Astorg is a multi-specialist investor with deep expertise in healthcare, technology and business services. Within healthcare, Astorg concentrates on a narrow set of subsectors: pharmaceutical services and technology, MedTech and MedTech services, life science tools, and diagnostics. Enjoying a distinct entrepreneurial culture, an engaged shareholder perspective and a lean decision-making body, Astorg works with founders, entrepreneurs and management teams to acquire premium international B2B businesses, providing them with strategic guidance, governance and capital to enhance their strategic positioning and achieve their financial objectives. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Astorg has offices in London, Paris, New York, Frankfurt, and Milan.
For more information about Astorg: www.astorg.com | Follow Astorg on LinkedIn
Oxoid Remel Microbiology
Oxoid Remel Microbiology is a global microbiology diagnostics leader supporting clinical, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical markets. Building on more than 100 years of experience in culture media, Oxoid Remel Microbiology’s broad portfolio includes instruments, services, antimicrobial susceptibility testing tools, traditional and rapid food testing methods, environmental testing, quality control organisms, and laboratory consumables. These solutions are designed to support infectious disease diagnosis, food and beverage safety and authenticity, environmental safety, and reliable detection of microbial contaminants in pharmaceutical production. Backed by global resources, Oxoid Remel Microbiology helps microbiology professionals improve diagnostic accuracy, simplify workflows, and support sterility and compliance—with reliability, efficiency, and confidence today, tomorrow, and for life.
For more information about Oxoid Remel Microbiology: Microbiology.
Follow Oxoid Remel Microbiology on LinkedIn.
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