Bracknell-based testing firm Cawood has acquired Scottish food chemistry laboratory Express Micro Science (EMS).
EMS performs microbiological testing services for the food, leisure, agriculture and pharmaceutical industries to ensure products are safe for use and consumption.
The deal takes Cawood into a new market for food safety testing, extending the group’s agrifood capability to the whole supply chain.
Simon Parrington, Cawood’s group chief executive, said: "With EMS, we are now in a unique position to provide an end-to-end service for agrifood, starting with soil and plant tissue analysis for farmers and ecotoxicology testing for crop inputs."
Based in West Lothian, EMS will operate as a division of Cawood, strengthening the group’s geographic reach and creating new opportunities for both businesses.
Jennifer Newton, managing director of EMS, commented: "Becoming part of Cawood will allow us to grow and invest in our capabilities and capacity with the backing of the wider group."
EMS director Will Bates added: "We are looking forward to working together to build both businesses, continuing to provide pinpoint accurate data and exceptional service for our customers."
Both Cawood and new parent company Ensign Bickford-Industries stated they plan to invest in EMS as it continues to grow.
Th corporate team at Addleshaw Goddard, led by partner George Danczak, advised Cawood on the acquisition of EMS.
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