Exova Group plc, the leading international provider of technically demanding testing services, has acquired Metallurgical Services Private Limited ("Metallurgical Services") of Mumbai, India.

The move will extend the company's geographical reach into India and support the expansion of its offering to customers in emerging Asian markets.

Metallurgical Services has a market-leading position in the provision of specialist metallurgical testing to customers in high growth sectors including oil & gas, industrials and infrastructure in India. Its customers will now benefit from access to Exova's global network of specialists in technically demanding services including corrosion, coatings and Engineering Critical Assessment.

Demand for specialist testing in the Indian subcontinent is anticipated to grow as a result of significant industrial and infrastructure investment, expansion of global manufacturing operations and increased regulatory requirements.

Hicham Abdallah, Managing Director for Exova in Middle East and Asia Pacific, said: "As an emerging market, the Indian subcontinent is forecasting significant industrial growth. Metallurgical Services has established an enviable market reputation which, combined with Exova's technical capabilities and operational infrastructure, means we are well placed to capitalise on this growth.

Ian El-Mokadem, Chief Executive Officer of Exova Group plc, added: "This is our sixth acquisition within the past year and underlines our strategy of growing our global footprint and extending our services through strategic acquisitions in the customer sectors we serve from our facilities in 23 countries worldwide."

Founded in 1964, Metallurgical Services is located in Mumbai at the heart of India's oil & gas hub and employs 130 specialists who support over 3,500 customers mainly throughout the western region. The company will now operate under the Exova Metallurgical Services brand.

Stuart Neill, Group Communications Manager, Exova. Email: stuart.neill@exova.com