Silliker Initiates Presence in Brazil

HOMEWOOD, Ill. — Silliker has invested in the Brazilian company BioAgri, the largest private group of laboratories in Latin America solely dedicated to analytical services. The company specializes in environmental, chemistry, agro-chemical, pharmaceutical, household products analysis as well as food technology.

Founded in 1990 by Dr. Alvaro Vargas, who has a doctorate in soil microbiology, BioAgri has 530 employees headquarted in Piracicaba, Brazil, with six branches in the country. The agro-chemical and pharmaceutical divisions have offices in the U.S. and in Switzerland.

Under terms of the investment, Dr. Alvaro Vargas and the rest of his management team will continue in their roles of president and director and members of the board, respectively.

This investment will enable Silliker to develop its international network, positioning itself on a new continent and offering complimentary services under the BioAgri banner, Silliker said. BioAgri will benefit from the Silliker international network and expertise focused on the development of BioAgri’s food activity.

“This investment reflects our strategic ambition to expand both our international presence and the scope of our business beyond our traditional activities. This investment is one more step towards our goal,” said Philippe Sans, CEO of Silliker. “BioAgri has an outstanding analytical platform in Latin America, notably in Brazil, an emerging market for food processing. We have had many requests from customers to develop our presence in this exciting country. BioAgric brings us complementary expertise on a new continent, and talented teams that will help us to better satisfy our customers’ needs.”

“During negotiations with the Silliker management team, it was evident that we shared common values and a strategic vision. This will foster a seamless integration and enable us to provide our clients with the highest levels of quality, customer service and technical support from day one,” said Vargas, president and director of BioAgri.