Intertek acquires KJ Tech Services GmbH in Germany

Intertek Group plc, a Total Quality Assurance provider to a range of industries worldwide, announces that it has completed the acquisition of KJ Tech Services GmbH (KJ Tech), a leading provider of vehicle, component, lubrication and fuel testing services based in Germany.

The KJ Tech portfolio includes full vehicle road fleet testing, data accumulation and analytical assessment for components, systems, lubricant and engine testing, test method development and industry benchmarking. KJ Tech's services are performed locally in Germany and in any location around the world according to customer requirements.

The growing consumer demand for vehicles with higher performance and lower fuel consumption, the increasing complexity of automotive technologies and the tightening of environmental regulations are all expected to drive strong demand for 'on-road' testing in addition to laboratory testing. KJ Tech's on-road vehicle, component and lubricant testing services fully complement Intertek's expertise in providing laboratory-based services to the automotive industry. Intertek is now uniquely positioned to provide a Total Quality Assurance service offering to its automotive clients globally.

KJ Tech, founded in 1989, is based in Griesheim and employs approximately 100 people. The business generated revenues of c. €9.7m in 2016.

Commenting on the acquisition, André Lacroix, Chief Executive Officer of Intertek, said: "As the automotive industry develops increasingly more complex technologies and environmental regulations become more stringent, the testing of vehicles, components and lubricants in all types of driving conditions becomes increasingly more important. KJ Tech's services are therefore highly complementary to Intertek's existing in-lab validation service offerings. With its longstanding experience and track record of excellent customer service we are delighted to welcome the KJ Tech team to Intertek."