Last checked at 2 Dec 2008 07:00
Intertek acquires EKO-LAB laboratory (Poland)
Intertek Group plc (Intertek), the leading international provider of quality and safety services to a wide range of industries, announces the acquisition of EKO-LAB SP. z.o.o (EKO-LAB), an analytical food testing laboratory in Plock, near Warsaw, Poland.
Intertek purchased EKO-LAB from its management shareholders Bruno and Wanda Ewers for a total cash consideration of PLN 15.1 million (GBP 3.3 million), dependant on financial performance.
EKO-LAB's testing services enable local food producers and local and international retailers to assess the levels of pathogens, bacteria and other micro-organisms in food, to measure hygiene levels in food production lines, and to calculate the protein, fat and carbohydrate components of food and raw products. The laboratory also provides pharmaceutical and cosmetics analysis.
Demand for expert food testing in Eastern Europe is increasing due to growth in food processing, manufacturing and production in Poland, Ukraine and Russia. In addition, EU regulation of food quality and safety continues to increase in response to food-related health crises and consumer concerns. EKO-LAB's customers include food retailers, meat and confectionary companies.
EKO-LAB has 40 employees and will form part of Intertek's Consumer Goods division.
Wolfhart Hauser, Chief Executive Officer of Intertek, commented:
"Eastern Europe is a growing market for food production and trade, which is triggering demand for expert testing services. EKO-LAB is another valuable acquisition for Intertek that is in-line with our strategy of adding to our current range of food services, increasing our support to existing and new customers and extending our geographic footprint".
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| Contacts |
| Aston Swift / Sarah Ogilvie Intertek |
| Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7396 3400 |
| aston.swift@intertek.com / sarah.ogilvie@intertek.com |
| Richard Mountain / Sophie Kernon, Financial Dynamics |
| Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7269 7121 |
| richard.mountain@fd.com / sophie.kernon@fd.com |
Notes to Editors
ABOUT INTERTEK
Intertek (LSE: ITRK) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 23,000 people in 110 countries around the world.
www.intertek.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008