Edinburgh, UK — Exova Group plc, the global testing, calibration and advisory services provider, acquired BM TRADA, the international provider of certification schemes and building products testing services, for about £22 million.

The acquisition adds around 340 personnel operating in 16 countries, bringing Exova’s network of specialists worldwide to over 4,400, and also extends the company’s range of certification services and markets served. The move will also expand both capacity and capabilities in building products testing. BM TRADA generates revenues in excess of £20 million.

BM TRADA has operated for more than 80 years in the testing, inspection and certification market. It provides accredited certification services to all major management system standards, chain of custody and sustainable supply chain certification, product and service certification and CE marking. It also provides a range of building materials and system testing.

Exova and BM TRADA have complementary offerings through internationally-recognized certification schemes, all of which will be retained.

“The acquisition of BM TRADA extends our existing certification services, creating a truly global offering and broadening our support to customers in new growth sectors and markets worldwide," John Willox, managing director of building products and certification with Exova. “The acquisition also expands our range of building products testing and extends our global reach into eight new countries. I believe we are bringing together two great companies who will now work as one to provide value-added services to our customers worldwide.

“We have now successfully integrated a number of businesses into our Group. This deal further underlines our strategy of extending the reach of our business and developing our service offering through strategic acquisitions in existing and related markets worldwide.”