KEMA and Gasunie Reach Agreement on Acquisition of Gasunie Engineering & Technology

ARNHEM and GRONINGEN, The Netherlands -

- Establish International ‘Center of Excellence’ for Gas

ARNHEM and GRONINGEN, The Netherlands, July 1 /PRNewswire/ –

KEMA and Gasunie have reached a definitive agreement concerning the acquisition of Gasunie Engineering & Technology (GET). KEMA will integrate the division of Gasunie, which consists of approximately 90 people, into its existing gas activities. This will result in a new business unit focused on gas consultancy, engineering services and research & development for the national and international energy sectors. The takeover lays a strong foundation for an international ‘Center of Excellence’ in gas expertise, and marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration between KEMA and Gasunie.

Capitalizing more on changing markets

The global gas markets are in a state flux. Continuing liberalization and changing regulations have led to increasing need for strategic, business/economic and technical expertise in the field of gas. At the same time, energy companies must meet more stringent requirements for gas processing, transport and use to ensure a safe, reliable, sustainable and economic gas supply. Electricity and gas are also rapidly becoming more closely interrelated in connection with issues like sustainable energy, smart grids, consumption reduction and energy storage. These developments demand a joining of forces in the areas of advisement and research & development. The combination of GET, as an international authority in the field of gas, and KEMA, as world leader in the field of electricity, results in a powerful organization that can successfully capitalize on the growing worldwide demand for expertise in these areas.

Comment by Thijs Aarten, member of the Executive Board of KEMA:

‘We are extremely pleased to have reached this agreement with Gasunie. Our consolidation of gas and electricity expertise is a proactive step in anticipating the developments in the global energy markets. This new combination is also an important step for the Netherlands, a country considered an authority in the field of energy.’

Comment by Pieter Trienekens, member of the Executive Board of Gasunie:

‘In order to continue making significant contributions in the future, broader utilization of the know-how and experience acquired by GET is essential. We are convinced that combining our activities with those of KEMA, and joining its extensive international network is the best way to do this. In the new situation, Gasunie will be a strategic business partner and one of the larger clients of KEMA’s new Center of Excellence.’

This is a joint press release by KEMA and Gasunie.

About KEMA

KEMA (www.kema.com), which was established in 1927, 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.nl) 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 in Germany. Gasunie also offers other services in the gas infrastructure field, including gas storage and LNG.

ARNHEM and GRONINGEN, The Netherlands, July 1 /PRNewswire/ –

Source: KEMA

For more information about this press release you can contact Rolf van Stenus, KEMA (+31-26-3-56-2607 or rolf.vanstenus at kema.com) or Hansch van der Velden, Gasunie (+31(0)50-521-2160 or pers at gasunie.nl).