Warburg Pincus is exiting Certified Group, the North American laboratory testing business it has backed, through a sale to food safety specialist Mérieux NutriSciences.

Certified Group generates approximately $300m in revenue through a network of 31 laboratories across North America.

"Certified Group has built a differentiated platform with a strong reputation for quality, scientific excellence and exceptional customer service," said Deborah Kerr, Managing Director at Warburg Pincus and Executive Chair of Certified Group.

She added that the two businesses brought "complementary capabilities, global scale and a shared commitment to serving customers at the highest standards," and that the firm was "proud to have supported Certified Group's evolution."