SGS is to acquire Institut d’Expertise Clinique, a leading cosmetics clinical research organization active in the field of advanced clinical testing solutions.WHO: Founded in 1990 and headquartered in France, Institut d’Expertise Clinique (IEC) has operations in Europe, Asia, and Africa to serve an international client base, consisting of the most prestigious global names in the cosmetics industry. IEC conducts multicentric safety and efficacy studies, in vitro tests, sensory analyses, and consumer tests on dermatological and ophthalmological cosmetic, personal care, and hygiene products. The business employs close to 150 full-time employees.Swiss-based SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification company, is the global benchmark for sustainability, quality, and integrity. Their 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.WHY: The deal will solidify SGS' worldwide leadership in cosmetics. According to Straits Research, the European TIC market size was valued at $88 billion in 2021 and projects that it will reach $129 billion by 2030.IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Etienne Camel, President of IEC, said, "Joining SGS, the leader in our industry, is a very exciting development for IEC. It will help us to serve our clients even better by leveraging the many synergies that such a global player offers, whether in terms of innovation, marketing, best practices or international expansion. We are looking forward to joining such a powerful network.” Géraldine Picaud, CEO of SGS, commented, “We are delighted to welcome IEC and its talented teams to SGS.