Private Equity News & Analysis

Carlyle consortium in testing bolt-on

The US group and its Spanish consortium have bought JanX to expand the reach of their non-destructive testing and inspection business in the US.

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Carlyle Group portfolio company Applus+, a certification business, has bought its US rival JanX Integrity Group, a non-destructive testing and inspection business.

JanX’s operation will allow Applus+ to reach revenues of $100 million in the US, the firm said.
 
This acquisition fits in the growth and consolidation policy approved by the Carlyle Group and a consortium led by Spanish bank Caixa Catalunya, which bought Applus+ last November.

Carlyle Group paid €1.5 billion ($2 billion) Barcelona-based Applus. Caixa Catalunya took a 25 percent stake in the company.

Applus is the largest company in its sector in Spain, with revenues of €546 million in 2006, and a presence in more than 30 countries. The company has four businesses: auto vehicle inspection; engineering, testing and certification; inspection and technical assistance and non-destructive testing.

JanX is the second acquisition since the consortium took over the majority of the company. It bought MBI, a UK non-destructive testing leader, at the beginning of 2008.

JanX has a blue chip client base, including pipeline operators, refineries and chemical plants. It focuses on the on-shore pipeline markets offering high quality X-Ray based testing, pipeline integrity services, project management and consultancy services.