About Inspicio
With over 6,500 employees operating in almost 130 countries, Inspicio is a world leader in the international inspection and testing market.
Initially listed on AIM in April 2005, Inspicio started its growth with the acquisition of Inspectorate, a global leader in testing and inspection services, in October 2005. Since then, it has made three further acquisitions - Environmental Services Group from Mowlem plc in April 2006; Eclipse Scientific Ltd completed in August 2006; and Scientifics Ltd in June 2007. Inspicio is now wholly owned by the 3i Group.
The Inspicio strategy is focused on growth. It aims to grow through acquisitions as well as structuring acquired businesses for organic growth and maximising any consolidation opportunities. The Inspicio vision is to become a significant global player in the testing, inspection and performance conformity market.
Inspicio believe that there are a number of key factors which are driving the need for greater scale in its core markets, leading to consolidation opportunities. These are:
- Regulatory and legislative changes driving the need for new and tougher testing regimes
- Buyers/sellers of goods and services seeking independent third party inspection services
- Multinational businesses requiring consistency in testing and inspection
- Commercialisation of performance conformity services
- Globalisation of supply chains
Rapid economic growth and increased international trade also underpin the long-term growth in Inspicios core markets. We now have three market leading divisions:
- Commodities, Inspection and Testing through Inspectorate
- Environmental Testing through Environmental Services Group and Scientifics
- Food Testing: through Eclipse Scientific Group
Inspectorate
Inspectorate is a world leader in inspection and laboratory analysis of traded commodities with over 130 offices and 5,000 employees. Since its acquisition into the Inspicio Group, the Inspectorate business is progressing well and the results reported so far demonstrate that the business is turning around in line with our expectations.
Environmental Services Group (ESGL)
ESG is a leading provider of testing solutions for both naturally occurring and built environments. It combines some of the UK's best-known environmental brands to deliver integrated 'cradle to grave' services to customers throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe and the Middle East. This acquisition added 17 new offices and 800 employees to the Inspicio Group.
Scientifics
Scientifics is one of the UK's leading independent analytical testing and consultancy businesses. Scientifics uses science to test, monitor and analyse processes, materials, products and data to help organisations meet their informational needs, gain a competitive advantage, operate safely and adhere to legislation. Scientifics added 10 labs and almost 400 employees to the Group.
The Eclipse Scientific Group (Eclipse)
Eclipse is one of Europe’s leading independent analytical testing businesses with ten laboratories across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Eclipse provides a range of microbiological and chemical testing services that focus on the food and drink, pharmaceutical and environmental sectors. Specialist testing for vitamins, pesticide residues, additives, minerals, milk, allergens and veterinary residues is also undertaken. Food analysis is complemented by consultancy services in areas such as HACCP, ISO 9000, food technology, legal and labelling advice. Eclipse added 10 labs and over 300 employees to the Group.
