KEMA and Gasunie join forces in consultancy and innovation
Arnhem/Groningen, March 24, 2009.
KEMA and Gasunie have signed a letter of intent to cooperate closely in the area of gas consultancy, engineering services and research & development. For this purpose KEMA is acquiring the unit Gasunie Engineering & Technology (GET). The activities of GET will be combined with KEMA's gas activities. This joining of forces will create a Center of Excellence in gas expertise also. The acquisition of GET will enable KEMA to continue to develop into a major global gas and electricity service provider. Operations will continue at the current locations.
Unique combination
In tomorrow's energy supply there will be a role to play for different energy sources in mutual correlation, which requires a joining of forces in consultancy and research & development. The link between electricity and gas will be intensified, for instance in the area of sustainable energy. GET combines special laboratory facilities with extensive experience in gas technology. Besides consultancy, engineering services and research & development, GET's expertise extends to the performance of tests, measurements, analyses and studies. This combination of GET as an established authority on gas and KEMA as a world leader in electricity creates a powerful organization, capable of meeting the globally growing demand for expertise in these areas. Trade unions and works councils in both companies have been notified of the plans. The advisory procedure with both employees councils begins shortly. The new combination is expected to start actual operation effective July 1, 2009. GET employs a staff of approximately 90.
Comment by Thijs Aarten, member of the Executive Board of KEMA:
'We're extremely pleased to welcome GET to the KEMA organization. Combining the expertise of KEMA and Gasunie is a logical step, since many of our clients operate in both the gas and the electricity market. The new combination is excellently positioned to respond successfully to international developments in the energy market and fits perfectly into our growth strategy.'
Comment by Pieter Trienekens, member of the Executive Board of Gasunie:
‘It's of vital importance to find opportunities for broader utilization of the know-how and experience gained within GET. The combination with KEMA's activities and joining their extensive international network is the best way to do this. In this new situation Gasunie will be a strategic business partner and one of KEMA's larger clients.'
This is a joint press release by KEMA and Gasunie.
About KEMA
Founded in 1927 and headquartered in the Netherlands, KEMA (www.kema.com) is an independent knowledge provider operating globally in the energy value chain and specializing in high-quality services in the field of business & technical consultancy, operational support, measurements & inspections and testing & certification. As an impartial organization, KEMA provides consultancy and support to both government bodies and manufacturers, suppliers and end-users of energy. Moreover, KEMA certifies products, systems and individuals for a wide range of clients. KEMA employs more than 1,800 professionals in 20 countries worldwide.
About Gasunie
Gasunie (www.gasunie.com) is a European gas infrastructure company. The annual gas throughput totals approximately 125 billion cubic meters. Gasunie offers transport services via the subsidiaries Gas Transport Services B.V. (GTS) in the Netherlands and Gasunie Deutschland GmbH in Germany. Gasunie also offers other services in the gas infrastructure field, including gas storage and LNG.