Normec, a leading provider of TICC services, is delighted to announce the acquisition of i2 Analytical (“i2”), an industry-leading, UK-headquartered provider of environmental site services, construction materials and food testing services. This strategic combination marks a key milestone for Normec as it represents Normec’s first acquisition in the UK and further cements its position as a pre-eminent pan-European TICC provider. i2’s management team, headed by founder Les Jones, will remain involved and will continue to lead i2’s development as part of Normec.
Established in 2004, i2 Analytical has grown to become a best-in-class provider of laboratory testing services, benefiting from state-of-the art laboratories in the UK and Continental Europe, a comprehensive suite of testing capabilities and accreditations, and a rigorous focus on customer service.
The strong strategic and commercial logic for a combination between Normec and i2 is underpinned by a shared vision of combining high customer service levels and quality, with the smart use of technology to deliver added value.
Since its acquisition by leading private equity investor Astorg in 2020, Normec has experienced rapid growth and continues to build its capabilities and presence across Europe and beyond. As market and customer needs continue to evolve, Normec is committed to innovating and strengthening its services to deliver solutions across more TICC markets and geographies. The acquisition of i2 provides an entry into the important UK market at scale, while establishing a compelling pan-European capability across attractive environmental and food testing markets. By combining best in class testing capabilities and sharing best practice, Normec expects the combination with i2 to unlock significant opportunities for organic and M&A-led growth.
Joep Bruins, Founder and CEO of Normec commented: “Led by Les Jones, the team at i2 has built an impressive and differentiated business that has grown rapidly over the years. i2’s strong UK market position and reputation, highly-invested laboratories and loyal customer base, combined with the technology-led expertise of Normec offers a compelling proposition that expands our combined footprint and capabilities from the UK across the Benelux, France and DACH and into Central Europe. This important acquisition opens up numerous opportunities for us to become even more meaningful to our combined customer base, leveraging best-practices across our portfolio of services. We look forward to working with Les and his team and are excited about the shared opportunity together”.
Les Jones, Founder and CEO of i2 Analytical commented: “Joining forces with Normec represents an exceptionally exciting opportunity for i2 as part of a dynamic and rapidly growing European TICC group with the resources we need to realise the next stage of our development. Benefiting from compelling strategic and commercial logic, and a shared commitment to customer service, quality and integrity, the combination offers numerous opportunities for our respective organisations, customers and people. I look forward to working with Joep and the wider Normec team in realising the full potential of this important sector transaction at a time when demand for high quality TICC services continues to accelerate”.
Normec were advised on the transaction by Strata Partners (M&A), Avonhurst (legal) and KPMG (financial and tax). i2 were advised by Crowe U.K. LLP (M&A) and Squire Patton Boggs (legal).
Normec: Frederik Bernoski, General Counsel, Frederik.bernoski@normecgroup.com or
Frank Kneepkens, M&A, Frank.kneepkens@normecgroup.com
i2 Analytical: Andy Hockin, COO, A.Hockin@i2analytical.com
Normec tests, inspects and certifies so that organizations can innovate safely, quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively.
