Certified Group Company Profile

Background

Certified Group is a leading North American provider of laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification and audit services. The company's mission is to deliver technical solutions and quality testing that customers can trust, ensuring the safety and compliance of products across various industries. Certified Group operates a network of over 30 laboratories in North America and Europe, serving sectors such as food and beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, and hemp.

Key Strategic Focus

Certified Group's strategic focus encompasses:

Laboratory Testing: Through entities like Certified Laboratories and Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), the company offers comprehensive testing and analysis services. These services cover a wide range of regulated industries, including beef, dairy, poultry, pet food, spices, seafood, nuts, produce, FDA imports, ready-to-eat foods, cosmetics, OTC drugs, and supplements. The company provides services such as shelf-life studies, challenge studies, process validations, and other contract research projects, ensuring industry-leading turnaround times and accurate results.

Regulatory Consulting: EAS Consulting Group, a subsidiary of Certified Group, provides regulatory solutions for industries regulated by the FDA, USDA, and other federal and state agencies. With a network of over 150 independent advisors and consultants, EAS offers comprehensive consulting, training, and auditing services to ensure proactive regulatory compliance across various sectors.

Certification & Audit: FSNS Certification & Audit offers a wide range of third-party auditing and certification services, including livestock, animal welfare, food safety, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The organization is ISO 17021 and 17065 accredited, operating with consistency, impartiality, and integrity.

Financials and Funding

Certified Group is backed by private equity firms Warburg Pincus and Tilia Holdings. The company has expanded its capabilities and geographic footprint through strategic investments and acquisitions, such as the investment in Kaycha Labs' hemp and CBD testing facility in Knoxville, Tennessee. This investment enhances Certified Group's service offerings in the hemp and CBD testing market, complementing its existing food, cosmetics, and supplement laboratory testing services.

Pipeline Development

Certified Group continually expands its service offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients. The investment in Kaycha Labs' Tennessee location solidifies the company's entry into the U.S. hemp testing market, enabling assistance for clients dealing with hemp-related products. This expansion complements Certified Group's existing services in food, cosmetics, and supplement laboratory testing.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Certified Group differentiates itself through its proprietary technologies and scientific methodologies:

Proprietary Technologies: The company utilizes advanced analytical chemistry, in vitro toxicology, microbiology, and method development techniques to provide accurate and reliable testing services.

Scientific Methodologies: Certified Group employs industry-leading assays and machine learning algorithms to enhance the precision and efficiency of its testing and analysis processes.

Leadership Team

David Morgan, Chief Executive Officer: Appointed in May 2024, David Morgan brings extensive experience in the testing and regulatory consulting industry.

Nick Buschur, President of Food & Beverage Business Unit: Hired in April 2023, Nick Buschur leads the Food & Beverage Business Unit, focusing on accelerating growth and strengthening the company's position in laboratory testing services.

Tim Daniels, Chief Information Officer: Also appointed in April 2023, Tim Daniels oversees the company's information technology strategies to support its expanding operations.

Leadership Changes

David Morgan's Appointment as CEO: In May 2024, David Morgan joined Certified Group as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Amanda Bosse.

Executive Hires in April 2023: The company welcomed Nick Buschur as President of the Food & Beverage Business Unit and Tim Daniels as Chief Information Officer to bolster its leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The laboratory testing and regulatory consulting industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing regulatory requirements and consumer demand for product safety and quality. Certified Group operates in a competitive landscape with several key players offering similar services.

Competitor Analysis

Lighthouse Lab Services: Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Apex, North Carolina, Lighthouse Lab Services provides laboratory consulting and staffing services. The company focuses on assisting laboratories with compliance and operational efficiency.

FDAQRC: Established in 2009 and based in Cedar Park, Texas, FDAQRC offers quality assurance and regulatory consulting services, specializing in FDA compliance for various industries.

Regulatory Compliance Associates: Founded in 2000 in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, this company provides regulatory compliance and quality assurance services, operating in the management consulting services industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Certified Group has engaged in strategic collaborations to enhance its service offerings:

Investment in Kaycha Labs: In December 2022, Certified Group invested in Kaycha Labs' hemp and CBD testing facility in Knoxville, Tennessee. This move expanded the company's capabilities in the hemp and CBD testing market, operating under the Labstat name.

Operational Insights

Certified Group's strategic considerations include:

Market Position: The company leverages its extensive network of laboratories and comprehensive service offerings to maintain a strong market position in the laboratory testing and regulatory consulting industry.

Competitive Advantages: Certified Group's commitment to delivering accurate and reliable results with industry-leading turnaround times sets it apart from competitors. The company's focus on customer experience and adherence to regulatory standards further strengthen its competitive edge.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Certified Group's strategic roadmap includes:

Expansion into Emerging Markets: The company aims to expand its services into emerging markets, such as the hemp and CBD testing industry, to meet the evolving needs of clients.

Technological Advancements: Investing in advanced technologies and methodologies to enhance testing accuracy and efficiency remains a priority.

Strengthening Partnerships: Certified Group seeks to establish and strengthen partnerships with industry leaders to broaden its service offerings and market reach.