Neogen acquires water microbiology testing technology

Neogen Corporation has announced that it has acquired Clarus Labs, Inc. The acquisition provides Neogen products, and greater access to the $400 million global water microbiology testing market.

The acquisition includes the patented Colitag water test, which detects dangerous coliform bacteria (i.e., bacteria normally found in the intestine), including E. coli, in water. Colitag also detects coliforms that have been weakened, but not killed, by inadequate water treatment efforts — including microorganisms capable of causing human illness.

"Neogen has offered Colitag to the food and beverage industries in the United States and Canada through a distribution agreement since 2004. This acquisition reverses that agreement, as we take ownership of the technology and work with a sister company to distribute the technology to markets outside of our traditional markets — including municipal water departments," said Dr. Jason Lilly, Neogen's vice president of corporate development.

"The technology represents an extremely good fit for Neogen. The advanced water test is a practical safety solution for our thousands of existing worldwide food safety customers, including many large water bottlers, and provides a substantial opportunity in our international markets."

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Steven J. Quinlan