Cawood acquires Express Micro Science

Bracknell-based testing company Cawood has acquired Scottish food chemistry lab Express Micro Science (EMS).

EMS performs microbiological testing services for the food, hobby, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries to ensure products are safe for use and consumption.

The deal brings Cawood into a new food safety testing market, extending the group’s agribusiness capability across the supply chain.

Simon Parrington, Cawood Group Managing Director, said: “With EMS, we are now in a unique position to provide an end-to-end service for the food and beverage industry, starting with soil and plant tissue testing for farmers and ecotoxicology testing for agricultural inputs.

Based in West Lothian, EMS will operate as a division of Cawood, strengthening the group’s geographic reach and creating new opportunities for both businesses.

Jennifer Newton, Managing Director of EMS, commented: “Being part of Cawood will allow us to grow and invest in our capabilities and capabilities with the support of the wider group.

EMS Director Will Bates added, “We look forward to working together to grow both businesses, continuing to deliver accurate data and exceptional service to our customers.”

Cawood and new parent company Ensign Bickford-Industries said they plan to invest in EMS as it grows.

Addleshaw Goddard’s corporate team, led by partner George Danczak, advised Cawood on the acquisition of EMS.

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