Exova snaps up asbestos handler firm

MATERIALS testing group Exova has bought an asbestos inspection firm to expand its range of environmental services.

A general view of the four cooling towers at Chapelcross nuclear plant prior to their demolition in 2007. Picture: PA

The Edinburgh-based company has paid an undisclosed sum for Environmental Evaluation, which provides health and safety training and carries out asbestos management work for the nuclear decommissioning industry. Its projects include the former Chapelcross nuclear plant in Dumfries & Galloway.

Chief executive Ian El-Mokadem said the purchase of the Oldham-based firm, which has 83 staff, “further underlines our strategy of extending the reach of our business and developing our service offering through strategic acquisitions in the customer sectors we serve from facilities in 23 countries worldwide”.