A TESTING and inspection services firm operating bases across the North-East has been taken over.

ESG has been acquired by France’s Socotec Group.

The company, which has an office in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, says Socotec’s guidance will allow it to expand geographically and bolster operations.

Socotec, which offers risk management services, said it has bought the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection and certification services (TIC), adding it will double revenues outside its French heartland.

Bosses added the deal will provide a platform to become a European TIC leader, revealing they hope to generate £700m revenues by 2020.

ESG was previously majority owned by 3i Group, with funds managed by 3i, and the business employs 1,400 staff who work from UK and Irish offices on services across the infrastructure, built environment, energy and waste sectors.

The Northern Echo previously reported how ESG was working on a contract to provide services on County Durham firm Banks Renewables’ Lambs Hill wind farm, close to Stillington, near Stockton.

Ian Sparks, ESG chief executive, said the business, which has another base at Crawcrook, near Gateshead, would benefit significantly from Socotec’s guidance.

He said: “It has been extremely important for us to find an owner that shares our drive for ambitious growth.

“Socotec, with its global footprint, has an expansive presence, offering inspection and measurement, assistance and consultancy, training and certification services, and works across a number of similar sectors to us.

“This is really good news for ESG and our clients.

“We will be able to provide a wider geographic offering, and also an even broader technical service provision.”

Hervé Montjotin, Socotec chief executive, said the business, formed from Bureau Sécuritas, which was France’s first building inspection body, expects ESG to play a significant role in its growth.

He added: “ESG’s leadership and extensive range of services, which will enhance our own scope of expertise, will give us another large base in Europe, second in size to the one we have in France.

“This acquisition, which will double revenue outside France, is perfect for our international expansion plans.”