KEMA acquires Czech high-power lab
Position in Europe strengthened further
Arnhem, The Netherlands, (December 18, 2009) – Energy consultancy and testing and certification firm KEMA is acquiring the Czech firm Zkusebnictvi (Zku) from OEZ, a subsidiary of German concern Siemens. Prague-based Zku specializes in the short-circuit testing of medium-voltage electricity transmission and distribution equipment. The firm’s high-power lab supports clients from Europe and emerging economies such as Turkey, Russia, South Africa and Brazil. The acquisition reinforces KEMA’s position as global leader of the market for short-circuit testing services and provides the company with direct access to the Central and East European markets.
Acquisition in line with strategy
Global demand for medium, high and ultra-high-voltage testing services is rising – buoyed by the increasing importance attached to energy supply reliability. With a high-voltage lab in Arnhem (Netherlands) and high-power labs in both Arnhem and Chalfont (USA), KEMA has a strong position in this market. Acquisition of Zku is in line with KEMA’s strategy of astutely growing its core activities in the energy value chain. KEMA has recently invested substantially in the expansion of its laboratories. Earlier this year, for example, it brought on line the world’s biggest commercially operating high-voltage lab at its Arnhem complex. Meanwhile, the voltage level of KEMA’s Dutch high-power lab – also the largest of its kind anywhere – was increased to 1,100 kilovolts (1,1 million volts) in response to the trend towards ultra-high-voltage lines in China and elsewhere. Zku employs thirty-one people.
Response from Pier Nabuurs, KEMA’s CEO:
“We are very pleased to welcome Zku into the KEMA fold. Although it is a relatively small company, Zku’s acquisition offers attractive strategic opportunities – in both geographical and product-technical terms. This move will enable our High-Power Laboratory in Arnhem to concentrate more on activities that involve higher voltages. This presence at a new location will also serve as a bridgehead for the continued expansion our energy consultancy activities in the region.”
About KEMA
Established in 1927, KEMA (www.kema.com) is an independent commercial knowledge centre and a global provider of high-grade services to the energy value chain, including not only business and technical consultancy, but also operational support, measurements and inspection, testing and certification services. KEMA provides impartial advice and support to governmental bodies, to producers, suppliers and end users of energy, and to electricity transmission and distribution equipment manufacturers. With offices and representations in more than twenty countries around the world, KEMA employs a team of more than 1,500 professionals.