Intertek buys Tickford Test Technology for £5.5 million

Intertek Group plc, a leading provider of quality and safety services to a wide range of industries worldwide, has acquired Tickford Test Technology Limited, a market leading vehicle engine testing company located in Milton Keynes, U.K. The company will become part of Intertek’s Commercial & Electrical division.
Privately owned, Tickford was purchased on December 31, 2012 from its management shareholders for £5.5 million (US$8.8 million) in cash.
Tickford tests petrol and diesel engines on behalf of manufacturers for a range of services including durability, performance and catalyst effectiveness as well as testing fuels and lubricants for efficiency and government and industry environmental standards. The company has a strong reputation and market position in the U.K.
Demand for Tickford’s services is expected to grow strongly, driven by developments in engine design to improve performance, fuel and emissions efficiency. Strengthening regulations in the EU over CO2 emissions as well as increasing investment in hybrid and other engine technologies will also support growth. Tickford complements similar services already provided by Intertek in the U.S. especially, as well as in Asia and will enable both Intertek’s U.S. and Asian customers to divert their European-based testing requirements to Tickford, as well as Tickford’s U.K. customers to Intertek in the U.S. and Asia.