Intertek Semko AB acquires energy specialist Sagentia Catella AB
5 May 2009
The entire business assets of Sagentia Catella AB have been acquired by Intertek Semko AB. Based in Sweden, Sagentia Catella AB is a specialist in the testing of batteries, super capacitors and fuel cells. In addition, the company runs comprehensive consulting services, which account for nearly half of its total revenue. The acquisition is strategically important for Intertek.
“Sagentia Catella’s cutting-edge expertise in the field of energy storage will help Intertek become a significant player in the energy area”, says Pär Zetterberg CEO of Intertek Semko AB. New, more efficient ways of storing energy will become a multi-billion dollar industry and intensive research is currently being conducted in this area.
"There are endless business opportunities for companies that succeed in developing new, efficient and reliable battery solutions for vehicles and renewable energy sources of the future, such as solar and wind power," says Pär Zetterberg. He points out that, through its acquisition of Sagentia Catella AB's business, Intertek Semko AB is now able to take important steps towards becoming a leading player in this important area. At the same time, the company is strengthening its role as a global leader in the area of testing and certification.
Continuing, Pär Zetterberg said: "We now have access to leading expertise in this area, along with technical equipment and consulting capacity. This makes us a better partner to our existing customers, as well as making us attractive to new customer groups."
Commenting on the move, Dan Flicos, Acting CEO and Commercial Director at Sagentia said: “At the start of 2008 we stated our intention to change the strategic direction of our company, away from an integrated consulting and venturing model, towards one focused on its core consulting business. The divestment of Sagentia Catella is in line with our strategic vision for the company. We wish our former colleagues every success as part of Intertek Semko.”
Sagentia Catella's business will transfer to its own business area within Intertek. Eva Fontes, the former Managing Director of Sagentia Catella AB, will hold the position of Business Area Manager. Intertek has a certain amount of prior experience in battery testing via the company's business activities in England, USA and Asia. The additional expertise that the company has acquired will be of value to the Group on a global level. Integration of the new business area begins immediately and it is expected to be completed by August this year.
"With its business focus and global presence, Intertek is the perfect owner for us and the timing of the acquisition is ideal," says Eva Fontes. "Right now, for example, the automotive industry is trying to find reliable new battery solutions. By combining our expertise with Intertek's, we can, as an independent third party, help our customers identify suppliers and products that are best able to meet the established requirements. As a result, good hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles can more quickly be launched in the market," says Fontes.
Sagentia Catella was established in the 1950s. At that time, it was part of the National Defence Research Institute of Sweden (FOA). Most recently, the company belonged to the international technology consulting group Sagentia, headquartered in the UK. Sagentia Catella AB had 13 employees and reported sales of SEK 13.6 million in 2008. The company conducts its business in Järfälla, which is located just outside Stockholm. With time, the business will relocate to Intertek Semko AB's facilities in Kista.
For more information please contact:
Andy Matthews
Head of Communications (Interim)
andy.matthews@sagentia.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 875 535
Charlotte Gynane
MarComms & PR Coordinator
charlotte.gynane@sagentia.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 875 585
Or visit the Intertek website.
Notes for Editors:
About Sagentia
Sagentia is a leading international technology consulting, product development and IP licensing organisation with a reputation for successfully commercialising emerging science and technology. Sagentia creates, develops and delivers business opportunities, products and services for its clients.
Established in 1986, Sagentia operates in six global market sectors – medical, industrial products, consumer products, chemicals, materials & energy, telecoms & media and public sector – developing new technologies, products and services that change the basis of competition. The company assists business leaders to create strategies for technology, innovation and growth.
Sagentia has more than 200 employees and has resources situated in state-of-the-art facilities in Europe, the USA and China. Sagentia is listed on AIM (SAG.L), the growth market of the London Stock Exchange.
www.sagentia.com
info@sagentia.com