Intertek Acquires Sagentia Catella AB (Sweden): Strengthens Battery and Energy Storage Testing Capabilities

18 May 2009

Intertek (LSE: ITRK), a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a range of industries worldwide, today announced that it has acquired from Sagentia the assets of Sagentia Catella AB, a globally renowned laboratory and consultancy for the energy storage industry, including batteries, super capacitors and fuel cells for the wind, solar, automotive and, among others, telecommunications markets.

The new acquisition will be integrated into the Intertek Commercial & Electrical Division and will be managed by Intertek’s Swedish operations located in Kista, Sweden. Sagentia Catella brings to Intertek more than 50 years of experience in the energy storage industry. Originally established as part of the National Defense Research Institute of Sweden (FOA), the business later became known as Sagentia Catella as part of the British technology-consulting group Sagentia, serving global customers who were developing more efficient energy storage technologies, and more reliable and environmentally friendly products.

“Sagentia Catella’s leading-edge energy storage expertise expands Intertek’s capabilities in rapidly evolving, high-growth markets, such as automotive and renewable energies,” said Pär Zetterberg, Intertek Executive Vice President. “The addition of Sagentia Catella’s pedigree significantly enhances Intertek’s global Energy Services business footprint.”

Working with the world’s leading automotive, wind and photovoltaic manufacturers and suppliers, Intertek currently provides product safety and performance testing, and market approvals through its network of testing centers in Asia, North America and Europe.

“The addition of Sagentia Catella is a strategic bolt on which will significantly benefit our customers in the automotive and renewable energy businesses,” said Gregg Tiemann, President, Intertek Commercial and Electrical Division. “From fuel cells to finished products, the ability to provide single-point R&D and market entry support is vitally important to support these industries’ needs for rapid product development and market deployment.”

Following the acquisition, Eva Fontes, former CEO of Sagentia Catella AB, will hold the position of Intertek Business Area Manager.

"Our expertise coupled with Intertek’s global energy services labs throughout Europe, US and Asia is a perfect pairing to respond to today’s market needs," said Fontes. “A rapidly changing energy landscape and environmental concerns have many global industries seeking new, reliable energy storage solutions. As part of Intertek we’re now in a position to help manufacturers quicken the development and market release of next generation energy and energy storage technologies.”

Contacts

For further information, please contact

Louise Åkesson, Marketing Manager Scandinavia
Telephone: +46 8 750 03 06
louise.akesson@intertek.com