AGAT Laboratories Ltd. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Avalon Laboratories Inc., a leading commercial laboratory based in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. Avalon Laboratories over the years specialized in medical, environmental, and energy services, offering advanced microbiology and toxicology analyses. Presently their labs are servicing environmental, food processing, fish harvesting, aquaculture, transportation, and forestry sectors.
This acquisition represents a strategic step forward in AGAT’s commitment to delivering end-to-end analytical solutions across Canada. Avalon’s expertise in environmental and toxicology assessments complements AGAT’s current portfolio and aligns with our broader vision to expand into high-demand service lines. The additional undeveloped land included in this acquisition, adjacent to Avalon Laboratories’ current site, will also support AGAT’s future growth, particularly for high-end energy services integrated from the Stratum Reservoir Canada acquisition in 2023 and our commitment to expand in the Minerals sector to support our Thunder Bay and Calgary Mining labs.
With advanced technology and expertise in deep-water testing, AGAT is well-positioned to serve Canada’s offshore energy sector from within the country. Newfoundland & Labrador’s East Coast offshore region, which held the highest remaining established crude oil reserves in Canada as of 2019, continues to be a crucial area for the industry. In 2023, oil production in Newfoundland and Labrador accounted for 4% of Canada’s overall production and 12% of the country’s conventional light oil production. AGAT currently provides services to many East Coast resource companies and looks forward to enhancing our support with expanded capabilities that align with our clients’ needs.
Additionally, Newfoundland and Labrador hold major mineral deposits. While AGAT has been supporting mining clients in the region, our expanded presence will allow for the addition of onsite preparation units at the St. John’s facility. This will enable clients to efficiently process core samples through local crushing and pulverizing, speeding up project timelines and improving productivity for regional operations.
In the fisheries sector, Avalon Laboratories has an Ecotoxicology (Ecotox) lab that is critical to local testing. However, Avalon currently outsources certain final food testing phases to other labs. Through this acquisition, AGAT will centralize this work within our labs in Montreal and Dartmouth, which will drive efficiency and turnaround times by streamlining these services under one organization.
AGAT’s reputation as a Canadian-owned and diversified laboratory network will enable significant regional growth, and our expanded presence on the East Coast will enhance our position as the trusted, local laboratory. This local presence not only strengthens our environmental testing capabilities but also aligns with AGAT’s dedication to job creation and community investment in Atlantic Canada.
Marissa Reckmann, CEO of AGAT Laboratories, stated, “The acquisition of Avalon Laboratories into the AGAT family marks another incredible growth and expansion story for our company and our clients. The Avalon team has built a phenomenal reputation within the industry based on the highest level of quality, service, and expertise. Their experienced team and advanced facilities will significantly enhance our diversified service offerings, allowing us to better serve our clients and support Canada’s leadership in emerging energy markets and environmental stewardship.”
The effective date of the acquisition is scheduled for December 31, 2024. AGAT looks forward to a seamless transition and the integration of Avalon’s team into its operations.
About AGAT Laboratories
AGAT Laboratories is a highly specialized Canadian-owned laboratory headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, providing analytical solutions worldwide. Renowned for delivering accurate, timely, and defensible results, AGAT offers a wide spectrum of services, including geosciences, advanced core and materials analysis, reservoir characterization, petroleum testing, lubricant testing, air quality monitoring, environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry, ultra-trace and toxicology, food testing, agricultural analysis, and mining geochemistry. With 45 locations coast to coast, supported by 12 Centers of Excellence in Calgary, AGAT continues to demonstrate its commitment to building Canadian-controlled science and technology.
For more information, please visit www.agatlabs.com and follow AGAT Laboratories on LinkedIn (@AGAT Laboratories) and X (@AGATLabs).
About Avalon Laboratories Inc.
Avalon Laboratories is the largest commercial lab in Newfoundland & Labrador, offering medical and environmental services. Their state-of-the-art facility in St. John’s features designated microbiology and toxicology laboratories, providing testing and analytical services that have assisted thousands of regional, national, and international businesses in making critical decisions. Avalon’s commitment to quality and secure data management has established them as a trusted partner across various industries.
For more information, please visit avalonlaboratories.ca.