CERTANIA strengthens its international growth with the acquisition of Groupe Icare
Saint-Beauzire/Munich, 13 November 2025 – Groupe Icare, a recognized leader in laboratory testing, validation, and regulatory services for medical devices and pharmaceutical products, has officially joined CERTANIA, a fast-growing international group specializing in Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC). This acquisition marks a significant milestone in CERTANIA’s strategy to build a comprehensive pan-European platform dedicated to life sciences testing. It also strengthens Groupe Icare’s leading position in the French market while supporting its international expansion.
Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Saint-Beauzire, France, Groupe Icare serves more than 1,800 clients in over 40 countries. With more than 200 employees across France, Switzerland, and Brazil, the company offers a full range of services covering microbiology, physico-chemical testing, biocompatibility and toxicology, process validation, regulatory affairs, and certified training – tailored to meet the complex demands of the global healthcare sector.
By joining CERTANIA, Groupe Icare becomes a key component of the group’s Life Sciences division. This integration expands CERTANIA’s service offering across the entire lifecycle of medical devices and pharmaceutical products and strengthens its geographic footprint in Western Europe and Latin America.
Séverine Itier, CEO of Groupe Icare, stated: “Joining CERTANIA is a natural next step for our group. This partnership enhances our capabilities while preserving our scientific independence and close customer relationships.”
Christian Poinsot, Founder of Groupe Icare, added: “From a small laboratory of four people, located in the centre of France, to a recognized player in medical device safety, our journey has always been driven by dedication and high standards. With CERTANIA, we have found a strong partner to continue this mission.”
Christian Poinsot will now serve as Scientific Advisor, ensuring a smooth transition and supporting key strategic client relationships.
Karsten Xander, Founder and CEO of CERTANIA, commented: “Groupe Icare’s scientific depth and the trust it has built with its clients make it an ideal addition to CERTANIA. Together, we are building a strong and effective platform in the life sciences sector – empowering our clients to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment.”
This investment reflects CERTANIA’s ongoing commitment to fostering specialized, human -scale companies within a collaborative ecosystem – combining entrepreneurial autonomy, shared resources, innovation, and international reach.
About Groupe Icare:
Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Saint-Beauzire, France, Groupe Icare is a leading provider of regulatory safety, laboratory testing, and validation services for medical devices. With over 200 experts across France, Switzerland, and Brazil, the company supports more than 1,800 clients in over 40 countries. Its services include microbiology, biocompatibility and toxicology, process validation, regulatory affairs, and certified training. Known for scientific excellence and deep regulatory expertise, Groupe Icare plays an active role in international standardization. More information: www.groupicare.com.
About CERTANIA:
Headquartered in Munich and founded in 2020, the CERTANIA Group is a globally active company in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry with centuries of combined experience. The experts from the Group’s nearly 40 companies have shaped TIC industry standards and played a key role in developing methods in areas such as life sciences, food and consumer goods, industry, system certification, sustainability solutions, as well as buildings and infrastructure. More information: www.certania.com.
