Manchester engineering firm BES buys rival company Nortest

British Engineering Services (BES), an engineering testing, inspection and certification company, has purchased rival company Nortest in its first ever acquisition.

Based in Manchester city centre, BES recently became independent from the insurance firm RSA in November 2015, with the support of private equity outfit Inflexion. Established for more than 150 years, BES has more than 450 engineer surveyors and certification engineers on its books.

Nortest, which is located nearby in Salford, carries out various non-destructive testing, positive material examination and welding certification services. The firm holds accreditation including Chas, Constructionline and BSI membership. As part of the deal, it is to stay put in its custom-built Salford laboratory after the acquisition.

Established for over 30 years, Nortest also has offices in Cyprus and works on contracts across the world. Top clients include Kellogg's, National Grid, Rolls Royce, AMEC, Laing Construction, Shell Chemicals and Siemens.

Commenting on the proceedings, BES group chief executive Stewart Kay said: "With the inclusion of Nortest into our group, we add additional expertise in the non-destructive testing market, offering our customers increased services. Nortest has built an enviable reputation since they started trading in 1980 and this acquisition represents an excellent addition to the British Engineering Services group."

Charles King, the Nortest managing director who is to stay with the company as its business development manager, added: "This is a great day for the Nortest family. British Engineering Services presented a compelling description of where they wanted to take the business. I'm thrilled that everyone at Nortest will be part of that journey."

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