BSI Strengthens its Position in Australia

British Standards Institution has announced it has completed acquisition of NCS International (NCSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of The National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia. 
NCSI offers a variety of internationally recognised business verification, assessment and certification programs across industry sectors including health and service where BSI can enhance its certification expertise globally.
Howard Kerr, Chief Executive at BSI says: “This acquisition meets the BSI growth strategy, strengthens our expertise in the healthcare sector and will enable Australian clients to better embed habits of excellence in all aspects of their business.   “This acquisition further demonstrates our commitment to invest in our Australian business, to deliver greater benefits to Australian industry and to help clients compete more effectively domestically and through our global network.”
Nick Koukoulas, Managing Director, Australia at BSI says: ”Our two companies share many core values – we have similar foundations and both have a commitment to meet the real needs of clients, and helping them embed excellence in their organisation.  This results in better performance, better risk management and sustainable growth.”  BSI will integrate the NCSI organization with its existing operations in Australia.
Kerr concludes on BSI’s acquisition strategy: “With now over 70,000 clients across 150 countries, we are one of the largest certification bodies world-wide and we have even greater ambitions for future growth.  This includes future quality acquisitions like NCSI.”
BSI also published its financial results for 2012 with 13 years of unbroken revenue and profit growth.  Revenue was up five per cent (CER*) to AUD 389 million with underlying operating profit up 11% to AUD 49 million.  BSI also has no external debt and AUD 63 million in cash reserves. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.  The expected combined revenue for the year ahead in Australia is AUD 35 million