In late November management system registrars DNV and Intertek announced that they were in discussions regarding a potential to unite their business assurance activities. According to sources at DNV, Intertek will be purchasing DNV’s business unit DNV Business Assurance. This unit, which works mainly with management system certification, consists of some 1,700 employees. At the same time DNV is investing in Intertek shares and will have a seat on the Intertek board. Expected 2009 revenue for DNV Business Assurance is expected to be approximately $329 million.

DNV’s Business Assurance unit is a leading global provider of system certification, while Intertek is leading in product certification, testing, and inspection. According to a DNV press release, the merger discussions are based “on the fact that global and local businesses increasingly look to quality assurance and certification services providers who can offer a full range of relevant services.”

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