The deal establishes an independent global microbiology diagnostics company under new leadership.
Astorg, a pan-European private equity firm, announced the completion of its acquisition of the global microbiology business from Thermo Fisher Scientific. The business will now operate as an independent company and plans to launch a new corporate brand later in 2026, according to a press release from Astorg.
Dirk Bontridder has been appointed CEO to lead the company. The microbiology business provides diagnostic consumables and equipment used in microbiological testing for clinical, food safety, and pharmaceutical applications. It serves more than 15,000 customers in over 100 countries and employs approximately 2,400 people across 13 manufacturing and research and development sites globally.
“This is precisely the type of complex opportunity where Astorg can make a difference, combining deep healthcare expertise, an entrepreneurial and hands-on partnership model, and a strong track record of value creation across the companies we back,” says Judith Charpentier, co-managing partner and head of healthcare at Astorg, in a release.
Bontridder brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience in life sciences, diagnostics, and industrial technology. He previously served as CEO of PerkinElmer and as group executive vice president of biopharma services and clinical diagnostics at Eurofins Scientific.
“This is a unique journey to create an independent global microbiology diagnostics company with an exceptional portfolio, talented teams and a long-standing reputation for quality, scientific excellence and customer service,” says Dirk Bontridder, CEO, in a release. “I look forward to working with colleagues around the world and with Astorg to build on these strengths, continue delivering the products, service and innovation that our customers rely on, and introduce our new brand in due course as we begin this next chapter.”
Olivier Lieven, partner at Astorg, says the firm looks forward to working with the management team to deliver the company’s next phase of growth, accelerate innovation, and strengthen its global position.
The investment reflects a focused healthcare strategy by Astorg, which seeks to acquire international business-to-business companies and provide strategic guidance and capital, according to the press release.
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