Oslo, 20.11.2009: DNV and Intertek today announced that they are in discussions regarding a potential to unite their business assurance activities, and thereby consolidating its position as a world leader in certification, inspection and testing.

DNV’s Business Assurance unit is a leading global provider of system certification, while Intertek is leading in product certification, testing and inspection. The discussions are based on the fact that global and local businesses increasingly look to quality assurance and certification services providers who can offer a full range of relevant services.

Building a world leader
“DNV is exploring opportunities to further develop DNV’s business assurance services that could create value for customers, new opportunities for employees and give DNV a substantial interest in a high-growth business. Our discussion with Intertek includes the potential to become among the largest shareholders in Intertek. This will enable us to follow our commitment to the success of our Business Assurance Unit,” says Henrik O. Madsen, President and CEO of DNV. “Intertek has been carefully selected as a company that is committed to a level of quality and integrity that reflects our own, and we intend to co-brand our certification services” he says.

“Intertek has a strong position in inspection, testing and product certification. We believe that the combined activities will represent a compelling offering to local and multinational companies. Large companies seek a business assurance provider that can offer the services that they need on a global basis with a strong reputation for service and integrity in their people. Intertek and DNV deliver that on both fronts,” Henrik O. Madsen concludes.

Subject to legal, regulatory and competition approval, some 1.700 DNV employees, of a total of 9.000 employees, will be transferred to Intertek after the closing, which is expected during spring 2010.

Independent of a transaction with Intertek, DNV will continue to develop its position as one of the leading ship classification societies, as a provider of risk management services to the energy industry, and as a provider of climate change services, through a staff of 7.300 employees.

Contacts:

Tore Høifødt
Head of DNV Corporate Communications
e-mail: Tore.hoifodt@dnv.com
phone: +47 67 57 93 84
mobile: +47 906 02 694

Eva Halvorsen
Corporate Communications manager.
e-mail: Eva.Halvorsen@dnv.com
phone: +47 67 57 97 19
mobile: +47 906 80 956

Date: 20 November 2009