The acquisition opens opportunities for the expansion of Fera’s proficiency testing services in Africa
Fera Science, a science services company based in the United Kingdom, has acquired South Africa-based Qotho Minerals, a provider of proficiency testing schemes and certified reference materials for the minerals industry.
In a press statement, Fera Science says that the deal is aimed at expanding its laboratory assurance services and strengthening its global proficiency testing portfolio.
The statement adds that following the acquisition, Qotho will become part of Fera’s proficiency testing operations delivered under the Fapas programme. The integration is expected to broaden the range of testing schemes offered by Fera and extend its reach into sectors such as agriculture, mining and minerals.
Fera says the acquisition also opens opportunities for the expansion of Fera’s proficiency testing services in Africa, where Qotho has an established presence. Both companies said the partnership will support laboratories in maintaining standards and ensuring reliable results in scientific testing.
According to the statement, the transaction is backed by Bridgepoint, which became the majority shareholder of Fera in January 2024. The investment firm supports Fera’s strategy of expanding through both organic growth and acquisitions. The company is also partly owned by the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, says the statement.
Andrew Swift
Fera currently employs more than 550 people at its biotech campus near York in the United Kingdom, including over 250 graduate scientists and around 50 doctorate-level researchers.
The integration of Qotho Minerals into the Fera group has begun, with both companies stating that operations and services for clients will continue during the transition.
Hannelie de Beer
“We are delighted to welcome the Qotho team to Fera, having seen its strong strategic and cultural fit with Fera right from the outset. Qotho brings a wealth of experience and deep sector expertise strengthening Fera’s market position in the broader laboratory assurance services market. We are excited to work closely with the Qotho team to realise the new growth opportunities presented by our association,” says Andrew Swift, CEO, Fera.
“Joining Fera provides an opportunity to build on Qotho’s established reputation and expertise, supported by Fera’s wider scientific infrastructure, collaborative environment and strategic vision. As part of Fera, the company will continue to deliver the high-quality services its customers trust, now with access to a broader portfolio of services, business support and capability building upon the high-quality services our customer’s trust. Commitment to quality and customer service is at the heart of everything we do – a value that is clearly driving Fera too – not only in their approach to science but in their culture and purpose,” says Hannelie de Beer, Managing Director, Qotho Minerals.