In a July 8th 2021 release, John Bellinger, CEO of Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) announced a merger with the Certified Group a company providing testing and regulatory consulting services.  The combined entity will employ 1,580 in thirty laboratories across the United States, Canada and Mexico.  Bellinger will serve as the CEO of the merged company.

According to Bellinger, the merger will allow expansion of the geographic spread of FSNS and will extend services offered.  The merger will also increase the available technical expertise through additional scientists across numerous categories. 

Steven Mitchell, CEO of Certified Group will become Vice Chairman of the combined company and a member of the Board.  Financing for the merger was provided by Warburg Pincus and Tilia Holdings, a private investment firm specializing in the food and nutrition supply chain.  Warburg Pincus holds investments in Hygiena, Aramark, Grubhub and Trimark.