Normec welcomes Labor Friedle and GALAB to strengthen Food Testing and Analytical Excellence in Germany

Amsterdam, Regensburg, Hamburg, 6 November 2025 – Normec, a leading European provider of Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) services, is pleased to announce the acquisitions of Labor Friedle GmbH and GALAB Laboratories GmbH, two renowned analytical laboratories in Germany.

These acquisitions significantly strengthen Normec’s position in the German analytical testing market, expanding its expertise in food and consumer goods testing. Together, Labor Friedle and GALAB create one of the largest independent analytical platforms in Germany and an important cornerstone within Normec’s Food division.

About Labor Friedle

Located in Tegernheim near Regensburg, Labor Friedle is an ISO 17025 and GMP-accredited laboratory renowned for its precision in residue and contaminant analysis of food and agricultural products, as well as chemical and microbiological testing of raw materials and pharmaceuticals.

Founded in 2003 by Albrecht Friedle, the company employs approximately 90 professionals. In addition to Labor Friedle, Normec has also acquired International Sampling Service GmbH (ISS), a separate company providing accredited and independent sampling services across the food value chain. The transaction also includes Labor Friedle’s modern laboratory facility, completed in 2019.

About GALAB Laboratories

Headquartered in Hamburg, GALAB Laboratories is an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory specializing in advanced analytical services for food, feed, and consumer products.

Founded in 1992 by Dr. Eckard Jantzen and Dr. Jürgen Kuballa, the company employs 200 experts and serves a global customer base through entities in Singapore, Peru, Spain, the Netherlands, and China. GALAB operates from a state-of-the-art facility in Hamburg-Bergedorf, which was included in the transaction.

Strategic Rationale

The acquisitions of Labor Friedle and GALAB mark an important milestone in Normec’s continued European growth strategy and underscore its commitment to scientific excellence, local expertise, and renowned laboratory quality. Combined with Normec’s existing operations in Germany, such as Institut Metakom, these laboratories further expand Normec’s analytical depth, service capabilities, and regional presence in one of Europe’s most advanced testing markets.

Joep Bruins, founder and CEO of Normec Group, commented:

“We are thrilled to welcome Labor Friedle and GALAB to Normec. Both companies have built outstanding reputations for analytical accuracy, reliability, and customer focus. These acquisitions strengthen our food platform and mark an important step in building a truly European network of leading, high-quality laboratories.”

Dr. Eckard Jantzen, co-founder of GALAB Laboratories, said:

“Success is created through teamwork – that has always been GALAB’s guiding principle. As part of the Normec Group, we are confident that this spirit, combined with shared values and international strength, will secure GALAB’s long-term development and create new opportunities for our employees and customers.”

Dr. Jürgen Kuballa, co-founder of GALAB Laboratories, added:

“From the very beginning, GALAB has focused on advanced analytical methods to detect analyte levels far below regulatory thresholds. Within the Normec network, we continue our commitment to scientific excellence and analytical integrity while delivering reliable results.”

Albrecht Friedle, founder of Labor Friedle, added:

“I decided on a strategic partnership with the internationally active company Normec. With our takeover on 1 September 2025, the Dutch company will enter the German market for residue laboratories and sampling institutes for the first time. A key factor in my decision is Normec's DNA, which aligns perfectly with our company philosophy: autonomy, excellence, customer focus and partnership within the laboratory network. This puts us in a strong position for the future.”

Outlook

Both Labor Friedle and GALAB will initially continue to operate under their existing management and brand names, while benefitting from the broader Normec network, shared expertise, and commercial synergies. The integration will focus on knowledge sharing, harmonization of analytical methods, and cross-laboratory innovation to enhance customer value and accelerate growth.

About Normec Group

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Utrecht, the Netherlands, Normec Group is a leading European organization in the field of Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance. With more than 7,000 employees, Normec ensures quality, safety, and sustainability across industries including food, life sciences, environment, and construction.