Swedish Acquisition Strengthens BSI’s Scandinavian Presence

Press release

1 July 2004

The BSI Group has acquired Swedish inspection and testing company, LW Cargo Survey AB, enhancing the company’s services to clients involved in commodity trading and shipping in the Scandinavian region.

LW Cargo Survey is one of the largest inspection companies in Sweden offering a range of services including oil and petroleum inspection, ship vetting, terminal safety inspections, terminal management services and insurance surveys. LW Cargo Survey operates in Swedish and Scandinavian ports including Gavle, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo, Norrkoping and Lulea.

Many leading companies use LW Cargo Survey including Statoil, Shell, Preem Petroleum, Conoco, Texaco and Norsk Hydro. LW Cargo Survey’s approach has attracted many new customers who want to use its broad range of capabilities. These are designed to perfectly match the growing demands of clients looking for reliable, professional and comprehensive services.

Company owners, Leif Wiren, Lennart Larsson and Brage Eriksson have agreed to join BSI Inspectorate and will remain with the business as full-time senior managers.

The purchase is the latest move in BSI Inspectorate’s strategy to increase its presence in Europe, aimed at providing improved geographical coverage and an unrivalled service to all clients.

BSI Inspectorate’s Managing Director Chris Fenton said: "LW Cargo Survey has built strong customer relationships over the course of the past 20 years, with an experienced and dedicated workforce and a portfolio of major clients in Sweden and the wider Baltic region. Their focus on delivering excellent customer service matches our own and makes our presence in this important region significantly stronger."

LW Cargo Survey’s Managing Director, Leif Wiren said: "We have developed a high market share in the Scandinavian market but by joining BSI we become part of a large global network serving the oil, petroleum and marine industry. As part of BSI we have the capacity to grow our market share and offer a comprehensive service that meets the needs of major international companies. We are delighted to become part of BSI Inspectorate."

- ENDS -