Canadian acquisition for Stewart Group

UK-based Stewart Group has completed the acquisition of Canada-based G&T Metallurgical Services (GTMET). The acquisition strengthens Stewart Group's position as one of the world's leading providers of inspection and analysis services, with annual revenue in excess of €60 million. The two companies had entered into a strategic alliance in 2009.

GTMET employs 63 staff at its state-of-the-art facility in Kamloops, British Columbia. The company has particular expertise in the metals sector, especially through its QemScan applications, which accelerates the processes of mineral identification.

GTMET will form a third division within Stewart Group (Mineralogy & Metallurgy), and will operate alongside the existing group divisions of Geochemical &Assay and Inspection & Analysis. The new division will be headed by GTMET president Tom Shouldice.

The managing director of Stewart Group, John Notman-Watt, said "The international minerals inspection, testing and certification market is a fast-moving sector, with many customers looking to form long-term partnerships as the range of services required diversifies. It is essential in this competitive market that Stewart Group provides a full suite of analytical and inspection services to service the rapidly growing market driven by the increasing global demand for core commodities."

Mr Notman-Watt added "This acquisition presents Stewart Group with an excellent platform to expand our global reach, while providing customers with a seamless, integrated service
Stewart Group was formed in 2006 following a management buy out of Alex Stewart International. GTMET was founded in 1990 by Tom Lafreniere and Peter Brown, metallurgists and with extensive mining experience.