Posted on: 19th December 2003, United Kingdom E-mail this page to a friend

LONDON, UK and PARIS, FRANCE - 19th December 2003 - Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services (BVCPS), a world leader in consumer product testing, inspection, and auditing services, is pleased to announce the acquisition of UK based AMTAC Laboratories Ltd, one of Europe's foremost consumer product testing organizations.

Strategically, this move reinforces BVCPS' position and market share in the United Kingdom, expanding its services to meet the evolving global needs of its retail and manufacturing partners. BVCPS offers over 30 full service laboratories and locations in 23 countries, supported by 2,700 employees, providing an extensive range of specialised services for the consumer products and retail markets, including testing, inspection, factory assessments, social accountability auditing, risk assessment and training.

Founded in 1895 as one of the world's first contemporary test and certification organizations, AMTAC Laboratories is one of Europe's foremost consumer product testing organizations today. As part of BVCPS, AMTAC Laboratories will be able to provide its clients, which include many of the UK's major retailers, importers and manufacturers, direct access to the comprehensive global services provided by their new organisation. AMTAC Laboratories, which is based in Altrincham, near Manchester, will continue to operate as AMTAC Laboratories for a period of time, before fully assuming the corporate identity of BVCPS.

Kevin O'Brien, BVCPS President, indicated that the aquisition of AMTAC Laboratories was a key development for Bureau Veritas in serving the needs of both the UK and European markets. "By building on the strengths of this prestigious laboratory, complemented by a significant program of investment and expansion, we will provide the UK consumer product sector with a service and scope of support that is second to none," stated O'Brien. "Continuity of AMTAC Laboratories' integrity and excellence of service is of prime importance and this will be assured by Ian Dalgetty and Alan Kirwilliam, both of whom will continue as directors of the business."