Based in Lyon (France), CARSO spun out from France’s National Center of Sciences in 1992 as a specialist in the identification of organic pollutants (dioxins). Following years of organic growth and more than a score of acquisitions, CARSO is now France’s purity testing leader in pharma, healthcare, environmental and food segments- all related to public safety. Purity testing focuses on common toxins, producing synergies and efficiencies for groups like CARSO that work across industries.

In partnership with CAPZA (largest minority shareholder), other PE investors, management and founders, ArchiMed aims to accelerate CARSO’s growth through further internationalization and service range expansion.

Over the next five years, CARSO and ArchiMed, together with CAPZA, are aiming to double the Group’s current annual revenues of more than €200 million.

“CARSO is an undisputed leader in both Water & Environment and Building testing segments. The Group is recognized by its clients for its reliability and quality of service, and strategically positioned on resilient and attractive Food & Pharma testing markets. We are very proud to be part of CARSO’s new growth adventure and partner with ArchiMed to help the Group rise as a European testing leader.”  – Guillaume Basquin and Frédéric Chiche, Partners & Co-Heads of CAPZA Expansion.

Bruno Schnepp, CARSO’s founder and Chief Executive, whose desire to retire from active management sparked this operation, keeps a minority stake in CARSO. Following the sale, he will move to a non-operational board position. Replacing him as CEO is Eric Sarfati, formerly President of France at SGS, the largest inspection, verification and testing company in the world.

CARSO contributes to the preservation of public health by conducting analyses on products and services that have direct impact on the quality of life and well-being of the population. The Group has also committed to reducing its waste, water use and greenhouse gas emissions.