The Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Council

LuminUltra concludes acquisition

(Posted on 27/11/18)

LuminUltra, the Canada-headquartered specialist in microbiological monitoring tools, has completed its acquisition of the Rapid Microbial Solutions (RMS) division of France-based aqua-tools.

The acquisition, announced in October, includes the award-winning B-QUA ballast water test kit and aqua-tools’ European customer base for its 2nd Generation ATP® (Adenosine Triphosphate) measurement products.

Pat Whalen, President and CEO of LuminUltra, said: “The acquisition of aqua-tools’ B-QUA line of ballast water monitoring solutions along with its European customer base is a key development in our strategy to enter the international maritime sector. Our goal is to expand our global footprint through a wider network of partners across the European continent and we look forward to bringing our maritime customers closer to the LuminUltra family.”

aqua-tools employees dedicated to the Rapid Microbial Solutions division have joined the LuminUltra team while remaining in Paris, France. aqua-tools continues to operate as a separate business, focusing solely on its Infection Control Solutions.

Marc Raymond, Managing Director aqua-tools, said: “We are delighted the acquisition has concluded with the successful migration of our rapid microbial solutions and staff to LuminUltra.

“For LuminUltra, the technology transfer is something of a homecoming since the rapid ballast water test kit was initially developed as a collaborative project between aqua-tools, SGS Group (Switzerland) and LuminUltra. The 2nd generation ATP technique used in the B-QUA test kit is proven to be the most reliable and effective indicative monitoring solution on the market.”

The addition of B-QUA compliments LuminUltra’s portfolio of 2nd Generation ATP microbial testing solutions, all of which have significant relevance for the commercial and offshore marine segments.

The company’s Quench-Gone Organic Modified (QGO–M™) test kit, for instance, has been designed specifically to monitor the bacteria content of fuel systems to curtail biofouling and microbial influenced corrosion of pipework. Its water test kit (QGA™) can be used to monitor the microbial quality of drinking water onboard. Both of these analyses can be performed with the same equipment as the one used for ballast water.

“Effective microbiological control is critical for maintaining efficient processes in a number of maritime and offshore applications,” said Whalen.

“LuminUltra’s 2nd Generation ATP testing provides results within minutes to give operators a clear indication of the total microbial activity and health of their water, wastewater and fuel systems. Microbiology is rarely considered a problem until it becomes a problem.”

The acquisition of aqua-tools’ RMS division follows the September purchase of US-based InstantLabs, a developer of DNA-based measurement technologies.