GBA is continuing along its growth trajectory and is expanding its service portfolio in the food segment in Austria through the majority takeover of the Hygienicum Institut für Mikrobiologie & Hygiene-Consulting in Graz. With this step, the laboratory and consultancy services provider is strengthening its market position in Austria, expanding its international laboratory network to 18 locations and creating the basis for the development of activities in south-eastern Europe. With about 80 employees, Hygienicum stands for high-performance service consisting of laboratory analysis, development support as well as consultancy services in the field of industrial hygiene and marketability. Dr Michael Stelzl will remain in the future as Chief Execuitve and minority shareholder of Hygienicum.