Intertek Expands Latin American Footprint with Suplilab Acquisition

Intertek Group plc (LON: ITRK), a global leader in Total Quality Assurance, has announced the acquisition of Suplilab, a Costa Rican provider of food safety and medical device testing services.

The move provides Intertek with immediate access to the growing Central American market and strengthens its position in the high-growth, high-margin Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification (ATIC) sectors.

The Costa Rican economy is said to be experiencing rapid growth, driving demand for risk-based quality assurance services, particularly in the food safety and medical device industries.

Suplilab, based in San José, has established itself as a leading ATIC provider in these sectors, boasting a track record of fast growth and high margins.

Suplilab generated revenues of £3.1 million in 2024 and employs 38 skilled professionals. The company's expertise in microbiology, water, and chemistry testing complements Intertek's existing capabilities and allows for expansion into a new geographic market.

The acquisition allows Intertek immediate access to a large customer base and a fast-growing ATIC market in Central America.

The acquisition strategically aligns with Intertek's overall growth strategy, deepening its industry-leading ATIC footprint in Latin America.

The company is actively seeking opportunities to expand its presence in high-growth regions and sectors, and the Suplilab acquisition represents a significant step in that direction. The move is expected to be immediately accretive to Intertek's earnings.

Driver Breakdown:

• Geographic Expansion: Acquisition provides immediate entry into the fast-growing Costa Rican market and access to the broader Central American region.
• Sector Synergies: Suplilab's expertise in food safety and medical device testing complements Intertek's existing ATIC offerings, creating cross-selling opportunities.
• High-Growth Market: Costa Rica's rapidly expanding economy and increasing demand for quality assurance services create a favorable environment for growth.

AskTraders Takeaway:

The acquisition of Suplilab is a positive development for Intertek, suggesting a continuation of their strategic growth initiatives. The overall impact on Intertek's financial performance will depend on the successful integration of Suplilab and the continued growth of the Costa Rican market.

André Lacroix, Chief Executive Officer of Intertek, stated: “The acquisition of Suplilab in Costa Rica is an exciting opportunity to enter into Central America's high-growth, high-margin food and medical devices spaces, deepening our industry-leading ATIC footprint in Latin America. We look forward to working with the Suplilab team to seize the exciting growth opportunities ahead.”