SGS is pleased to announce that it has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire Matrolab Group (Pty) Ltd (Matrolab), based in Pretoria, South Africa.

Matrolab is a leading engineering and construction materials testing company with a network of over 30 offices and laboratories (commercial and onsite) in South Africa. It also has registered offices in Mozambique and Botswana. It serves consulting engineers and construction companies, as well as public authorities.

Founded in 1970 and privately owned, Matrolab generates revenues in excess of ZAR 110 million and employs more than 400 staff.

'This acquisition fits with our strategy as a one-stop shop for testing and inspection services for industries including power and construction,' said Frankie Ng, CEO of SGS. 'Combined with the acquisition of Metlab in 2012, Matrolab strengthens our footprint and service offerings in southern Africa.'

The transaction is subject to the approval of the South African Competition Commission and is expected to close within the next few weeks.

For further information, please contact:

Jean-Luc de Buman
Corporate Development,
Communications & IR
SGS SA, 1211 Geneva 1
t: (+41-22) 739 91 11
f: (+41-22) 739 92 00
www.sgs.com

About SGS

SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 80,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,650 offices and laboratories around the world.

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