Fera Science Ltd has acquired South Africa-based Qotho Minerals, a move that broadens the company’s laboratory assurance capabilities and extends the reach of its proficiency testing services into new sectors and geographies.

Announced March 9, 2026, the acquisition brings Qotho into the Fera group alongside Fapas®, Fera’s proficiency testing brand. For laboratory managers, the deal signals a wider portfolio of proficiency testing and certified reference material support across mineral, agricultural, and related laboratory settings.

Acquisition broadens proficiency testing support for laboratories

By adding Qotho’s expertise, Fera is expanding both the breadth and depth of its laboratory assurance services. The company said the acquisition enhances the proficiency testing portfolio delivered under its Fapas® brand and opens opportunities to support clients and partners across agriculture, mining, and minerals.

The move also creates a pathway for Fera to expand its proficiency testing services further into Africa.

For lab managers, the combined offering could bring several practical advantages:

• broader access to proficiency testing schemes across sectors
• stronger support for maintaining laboratory quality standards
• expanded access to certified reference materials
• greater regional reach, particularly in African markets

Fera said the partnership aligns with its mission of applying Science for Life and helping customers gain confidence in the reliability of laboratory results.

What the deal means for lab quality, standards, and growth

Commenting on the transaction, Dr Andrew Swift, CEO of Fera, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Qotho team to Fera, having seen its strong strategic and cultural fit with Fera right from the outset. Qotho brings a wealth of experience and deep sector expertise strengthening Fera’s market position in the broader Laboratory Assurance Services market. We are excited to work closely with the Qotho team to realise the new growth opportunities presented by our association.”

Dr Hannelie de Beer, Managing Director Qotho Minerals, added: “Joining Fera provides an opportunity to build on Qotho’s established reputation and expertise, supported by Fera’s wider scientific infrastructure, collaborative environment and strategic vision. As part of Fera, the company will continue to deliver the high-quality services its customers trust, now with access to a broader portfolio of services, business support and capability building upon the high-quality services our customer’s trust. Commitment to quality and customer service is at the heart of everything we do - a value that is clearly driving Fera too – not only in their approach to science but in their culture and purpose.”

The transaction was supported by Bridgepoint, which became Fera’s majority shareholder in January 2024, alongside existing shareholder the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Fera said the integration process will begin immediately, with both companies committed to ensuring a seamless transition for clients.

Company background

Fera is an applied science company focused on food, health, and the environment, helping clients address complex scientific challenges through laboratory and advisory expertise.

Qotho Minerals is a provider of proficiency testing services for mineral laboratories and a producer of certified reference materials for mineral laboratories and geologists worldwide.