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SGS Enhances Operational Safety Through H2Safety Acquisition

In a significant move aimed at bolstering safety standards across North America, SGS, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, has announced its acquisition of H2Safety Services Inc. This strategic acquisition comes as SGS seeks to strengthen its emergency management and operational safety solutions across various industrial sectors.

Originally founded in 2004, H2Safety has established itself as a prominent player in emergency response management, health safety, and environmental training. The company caters to a diverse array of sectors including oil and gas, mining, transportation, utilities, and renewables. Renowned for its strong emphasis on public consultation and regulatory compliance, H2Safety excels in fostering Indigenous and government relations, ensuring community concerns are addressed through transparent dialogue.

CEO James Harasen stated, "Our approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure, communities, employees, and natural environments is rooted in building authentic relationships. We are excited about joining SGS to expand our emergency management footprint." This merger promises not only to enhance H2Safety's service capabilities but also align with SGS’s broader goals regarding health, safety, and environmental standards.

A key component of H2Safety's service offering is its H2CommandCentre® platform. This innovative emergency management application equips organizations with comprehensive tools for managing incidents effectively. Its features include rapid incident management, real-time notifications, check-ins, and interactive hazard zone mapping, empowering teams to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies.

With over 15,000 users, the platform has proven indispensable in helping organizations navigate their operational safety objectives and ensuring ongoing business continuity during crises. Patrick Beck, SGS's Head of Industrial Services in North America, emphasized, "Operational integrity is at the core of our corporate culture... HSE is central to what we do. We pride ourselves on protecting our assets, employees, and the environment."

The acquisition is also a vital step toward realizing SGS’s ambition of doubling its North American sales from 2023 to 2027, in line with its Strategy 27. Among the driving forces behind this strategy are megatrends such as digital innovation and rising ESG regulations. As the industrial sector invests in digital transformation and compliance solutions, integrating H2Safety's capabilities into SGS’s portfolio positions the company favorably in a competitive market.

This acquisition illustrates SGS’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence. By enhancing their emergency management services and prioritizing community relations, they aim to positively impact corporate social responsibility objectives and meet evolving societal expectations.

As SGS prepares to leverage H2Safety’s expertise within its extensive network of laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, the company sets a precedent in prioritizing safety and quality assurance in the industrial sector.

SGS has a legacy of over 145 years in delivering high standards of quality and sustainability, making this acquisition not just a business expansion, but also a reaffirmation of its dedication to service excellence. As they move forward, the integration of H2Safety into SGS promises to advance their mission: fostering safer environments for communities, mixed with innovative technology and solid operational standards.

For media inquiries, contact Fulvio Martinez, Head of Marketing and Communications, North America.

About SGS
SGS is the world's leading Testing, Inspection, and Certification company, with a commitment to integrity and reliability. They combine precision with an extensive network and expertise to help businesses thrive confidently. SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN.