Member Article

Construction Testing Solutions acquires GT Certification to broaden calibration portfolio and expand material testing capability

Palatine-backed Construction Testing Solutions (CTS), a leading provider of construction consulting and testing services, has today announced a further strategic acquisition as it continues its drive to become an industry leading provider of services to the construction sector

The acquisition of GT Certification is the seventh acquisition since Palatine’s investment in CTS in 2018 and follows a refinancing in late 2021.

GT Certification with headquarters in Tipton, West Midlands, employs 39 staff and operates across the UK. It is a well-established construction materials and torque and force calibration business, providing a variety of solutions to developers, construction contractors, specialist industrial flooring companies, as well as calibration services to a wide range of local and national industries.

The CTS Group portfolio has been developed and expanded over the past 18 months, with a successful track record of acquisitions including CGL Limited in November 2020, Nicholls Colton in February 2021, Silkstone Environmental in August 2021 and Mason Evans in January 2022. The acquisition of GT Certification further expands CTS’ existing construction materials testing and calibration testing capability.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Phil Coles, Chief Executive Officer of CTS said: “I’m delighted to welcome the GT Certification team to the CTS Group. Continuing to grow our capabilities and expand our portfolio while at the same time growing and further strengthening our client relationships across our business is critical to our ongoing success and is at the very heart of our strategy. The acquisition of GT Certification continues to support our overall strategy and ambition to become the industry leading provider for all associated services to the construction sector through a robust programme of acquisitions and organic growth.

“Both myself and the business are excited about working with Gary and welcoming the GT team to the CTS Group; our ability to leverage the greater scale in materials testing and the enhanced capability that the calibration operation brings to the group makes our businesses stronger together. This acquisition complements the previous deals announced over the past 2 years and reinforces our commitment to growth through attracting complimentary businesses and market leading talent.”

GT Certification Managing Director, Gary Thompson, said “This is an exciting step for GT, and I’m delighted to be continuing to support the future growth of the combined business and integration process. Since starting in 2001 GT has been providing market leading torque and force calibration testing and certification and materials testing services to the sector and now existing clients will also benefit from CTS’s extensive experience and knowledge within the testing, inspection and compliance industry.”

With headquarters in Leicester and a nationwide network of laboratories and offices, offering a wide range of construction testing, inspection and compliance services CTS supports all sectors of the construction market including commercial, rail, road, residential, airports, tunneling, mining, and utilities as well as brownfield regeneration.

Tom Hustler, Investment Director at Palatine Private Equity, said: “The latest acquisition for CTS further establishes the business as a highly active player in the construction services marketplace. Phil and the management team at CTS have a strong track record of identifying and integrating acquisitions and we continue to support their ambitious strategic growth plan.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Robson .