Mérieux Développement Expands its Team and Investment Capabilities in Europe and the United States

LYON, France and BOSTON, September 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Mérieux Développement announces the appointment of three additional staff members, as part of the expansion of its capabilities in Europe and the United States, to support growth and venture capital investment:

- Jean-Francois Billet, as a Senior Partner (based in Paris, FR)

- Daniel Fero, as a Senior Associate  (based in Boston, MA)

- Benoit Pierret, as a Senior Business Analyst (based in Lyon, FR)

These appointments come in the context of increased investment activity across the healthcare and nutrition sectors, where Mérieux Développement team has been active since 2010.

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160927/412427LOGO )

"We are pleased to add Jean-Francois, Dan and Benoit to our team, and expand our experience base in support to entrepreneurs and companies of our sector" said Francois Valencony, General Manager of Mérieux Développement.

Jean-Francois Billet - Senior Partner (Paris)

Jean-Francois holds a PhD in Pharmacy and graduated from ESSEC in Paris. Jean-Francois started his career with Pasteur Merieux (now Sanofi-Pasteur), the leading global vaccine manufacturer, as Southeast Asia Marketing Manager. He then joined bioMérieux where he developed the company's initial strategy in food safety and quality services. He later managed the business operations and marketing for bioMérieux Industry before joining Mercer Management Consulting (now Oliver Wyman), a leading strategy and management consulting firm in the areas of the sales force effectiveness, operational optimization and growth strategy. Before joining Mérieux Développement, Jean-François held the position of Vice President at Merieux NutriSciences, in charge of Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions and overseeing operations in various geographical zones.

Daniel Fero - Senior Associate (Boston)

After earning his PhD, Dan went on to work in a variety of professional roles  including as a life science strategy consultant and a professional political operative.  Most recently, while working within L.E.K. Consulting's Life Sciences practice, Dan served as strategic advisor to a wide range of healthcare companies and investors on issues of corporate strategy and transaction services. Prior to that he was the senior political director for two members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Dan was awarded a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of California, San Diego. He also holds a BA in Biology from Rhode Island College.

Benoit Pierret - Senior Business Analyst (Lyon)

Before joining Merieux Development, Benoit worked at Jacquet Metal Service (JMS) as Corporate Finance Manager for five years; as such , he has led several acquisitions in Europe and North America. Previously , Benoit started his career in Mergers & Acquisitions consulting at Ricol Lasteyrie Corporate Finance ( a member of Ernst & Young network). Benoit is a Chemical Engineer, graduated from CPE Lyon and also holds a Master of  Strategy and Management of International Business from ESSEC. He is a graduate from the ESSEC Chair in Therapeutic Innovation.

Photos available on request

About Mérieux Développement - http://www.merieux-developpement.com

Mérieux Développement is the investment fund of Institut Mérieux specialized in venture capital and growth equity transactions in the healthcare and nutrition sectors. Mérieux Développement supports entrepreneurs and companies with products or services presenting worldwide innovation to Health. Mérieux Développement brings its expertise and international network to enable entrepreneurs to disrupt and create new markets. Mérieux Développement is an affiliate of Institut Mérieux, which employs around 15,000 employees worldwide, with consolidated revenues exceeding 2.4 billion Euros in 2015.

Contact communication - Mérieux Développement

Aurélie Boulleray, [e-mail], [phone]