Eight Advisory supported Levine Leichtman Capital Partners backed NMi Group with its acquisition of ExVeritas

NMi Group (“NMi”), an internationally recognised company for mission-critical testing, inspection, certification, and calibration (TICC) services for product market acceptance, has announced the strategic acquisition of  ExVeritas. This move significantly strengthens NMi’s market access capabilities, particularly in the specialised area of product safety certification for hazardous environments. This mandatory certification must be obtained for products used in areas where gas, vapour or dust explosions can occur. It is crucial across various sectors where NMi’s customers play an important role, including Energy & Utilities, Food & Agriculture, and Industrial & Manufacturing. The acquisition is in line with NMi’s commitment to improving safety worldwide. 

Founded in 2005, ExVeritas plays an essential role in the certification landscape with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the United States. ExVeritas is a designated UKCA Approved Body (2585) and a European Notified Body (2804), holding accreditations for UKCA (Ex) and ATEX in Europe. The company is also recognised under the global IECEx scheme, and its US operations are accredited as an Associated Test Lab and recognised as an Independent Laboratory by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). These comprehensive certifications enable ExVeritas to facilitate global market access.  Under the leadership of founders Sean Clarke and Stephen D’Henin, along with regional co-founders Luke Ricks in the US and Peter Lauritzen in Denmark—who will continue guiding ExVeritas post-acquisition—the company offers specialised services, including ATEX/IECEx type approvals, management audits, training, and inspection. 

This acquisition marks a significant advancement in NMi’s strategy to expand its service offering and increase its geographic footprint.  

Yvo Jansen, CEO of NMi, stated: 

“Partnering with ExVeritas and their solid global expertise is a landmark development in our efforts to enlarge our reach and capabilities in our market access services. The expertise of ExVeritas directly enhances our portfolio, addressing a specific market need for rigorous safety certifications required by OEMs, Installers, and End-Users to access the global market and drive product safety. Following our earlier expansion into Cybersecurity with the acquisition of TrustCB, this new collaboration further broadens NMi’s service offerings, now covering Metrology, Cybersecurity, and Product Safety.” 

Sean Clarke, co-founder of ExVeritas, commented: 

“Joining NMi Group opens significant avenues for ExVeritas to scale our operations more effectively. Powered by NMi means joining a team with a proven strategic vision and ambition, leveraging their international reputation and technical expertise, thereby allowing us to focus on ExVeritas’ continued growth. This collaboration will enhance our ability to deliver expanded services and meet the complex safety standards our clients require in hazardous environments.” 

Eight Advisory team members supporting this transaction:  

• Financial due diligence: Alison Harutunian (Partner), Cameron Purves (Senior) 

• Tax due diligence: Dean Lake (Partner) Shivani Maru (Manager)