UK‑listed Bridgepoint, a global mid‑market investor, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in GBA Group, a Germany‑based provider of specialist laboratory testing services. GBA’s management team will remain invested, while Ardian will exit the vast majority of its holding.
Quadriga Capital acquired GBA in 2016 and sold the Group in 2021 to a consortium comprising Ardian, the management team and Quadriga Capital funds. Since 2021, Ardian has supported GBA’s organic and external growth by expanding into new geographic markets and customer segments, more than doubling the Group’s revenue.
Founded in 1989, GBA is an international life sciences services company with more than 3,500 employees and a broad range of analytical, logistical and specialist services across food, environment, building contaminants, drinking water, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical devices and cosmetics. The Group operates at around 100 locations and serves more than 60,000 customers across Europe, North America, Asia‑Pacific and other international markets.
Ardian supported GBA’s organic revenue development through investment in digitisation, expansion of major‑account business, and the launch of technology‑ and AI‑enabled services. It also backed investment in domestic and international infrastructure, including additional laboratory space, automation and new specialised testing methods. Growth was further accelerated by a targeted buy‑and‑build strategy comprising 19 acquisitions. Most recently, in March 2026, GBA acquired a majority stake in Johner Institut in Germany.
“We are proud to have unlocked the significant potential of GBA over the past five years while fully implementing our value creation plan,” said Gunnar Chrestin, managing director Buyout, Ardian.
With Bridgepoint’s support, GBA will focus on strengthening its market position across core end markets and building on its international footprint. The partnership will also invest in the firm’s capabilities, including through new talent and digitalisation, and pursue selective acquisitions to expand its platform and service offering.
Bridgepoint brings significant experience in testing, inspection and certification (TIC). “We look forward to leveraging our extensive TIC experience across multiple transactions, as well as our local German presence and global network, to further expand [GBA’s] capabilities,” said Christopher Brackmann, partner and head of DACH investment activities, and Charles Welham, partner and head of services at Bridgepoint.
Bridgepoint has previously partnered with 10 other TIC platforms, including Element Materials Technology, LGC, Alcontrol, Fera Science and NMi. During Bridgepoint’s ownership, Element quadrupled its number of laboratories and revenue, added more than 5,000 technical experts, and continued to deliver high‑quality services globally.
“[Bridgepoint’s] deep sector expertise, strong local presence and global network make them an ideal partner,” said Steffen Walter, CEO of GBA Group.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Bridgepoint was advised by Citi and DC Advisory (joint M&A advisers), Rothschild & Co (M&A), BCG (commercial), EY (financial and tax) and Latham & Watkins (legal). Ardian was advised by Macquarie and Morgan Stanley (M&A), EY (FDD), Taxess (tax), LEK (commercial) and Milbank (legal).
Press release: Bridgepoint to acquire GBA Group, a leading provider of specialist laboratory testing services – Bridgepoint
