We are excited to announce that Certified Group has signed an agreement to merge with Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), a leading provider of laboratory testing services for customers in the food & beverage end-markets. As a result, the newly combined entity will grow to an impressive ~1,580 employees with over 30 laboratories in North America. The merger reflects the continued success of our company and underscores our top-tier position as a leader in testing and regulatory consulting services. It will provide us with access to strong industry experience and robust networks that can be leveraged to expand our product offering, while maintaining our current employees, with equivalent employee benefits.
At the close of the transaction, John Bellinger, current CEO and Co-Founder of FSNS will become the CEO across all respective companies. Steven Mitchell will remain a significant shareholder and become Vice Chairman of the combined company and Board Member.
John, and his wife Gina Bellinger, founded FSNS in 1994, headquartered in San Antonio, TX. Together they built a national network serving 1800 customers from 20 laboratories across North America. FSNS provides expert technical resources that assist companies with implementing food safety and quality programs that deliver critical information needed to continually improve process controls. Additional services include microbiology testing, chemistry testing, nutritional labeling, technical services, education and auditing. For more information, visit www.fsns.com. As part of this merger, John and his wife Gina, Co-Founder and President of FSNS, will be significant shareholders of the new company and will further expand our offerings and provide more opportunities to grow.
The announcement of this new merger will enable EAS to continue to grow while maintaining our current organization and employees and continuing to work with our independent consultants in the same manner as we have in the past. We will retain our company name and identity and will continue to operate as usual as a subsidiary of the new company. I will continue to lead EAS as President and will report directly to John Bellinger. The Commodity Directors (Tim, Cathryn, Tara and Bryan) will remain your points of contact, and Steve, Victoria, Amy, Jason and Lisa will continue in support.
It is through the loyalty of our valued clients that we have been provided this opportunity to grow our business and we are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead. Should you have any questions or would like to learn more please feel free to contact me (dcirotta@easconsultinggroup.com).
Posted in Press Release.