BSI buys the Canadian and US ISO of KPMG

The British Standards Institution (BSI), known for its Kitemark and as a world leader in setting quality and safety standards for industry and consumers, has become No 1 in the North American management systems assessment market through a significant acquisition. BSI announced on Monday, January 21 that it will acquire the US and Canadian ISO registration business of KPMG, the global professional services leader. The deal became effective on February 28, 2002. 

Welcoming the team from KPMG, Nick Moy, the UK-based managing director of BSI Management Systems, said:
"This acquisition doubles the size of our North American business, making BSI number one registrar in North America and also number one in the important automotive sector.

"KPMG's ISO registration business will be part of and managed by our American company BSI Inc, and will help us deliver an enhanced range of services with a broader local and global coverage.

"Increasingly, many of the world's leading companies come to BSI for global management system solutions. We are committed to providing our clients worldwide with an added-value service through independent assurance and genuine business improvement," Nick Moy added.

KPMG has built a successful ISO registration practice in North America, with representation and delivery capability across Canada and the USA. BSI has made this acquisition as part of its international expansion strategy aimed at making it the world's preferred supplier of management system registration and inspection services. BSI is reinforcing this new phase in its development with a strong focus on the automotive industry.

The deal increases BSI's sales to around US $361 million (£250 million) a year, and its total worldwide workforce to some 4,900 - making it the largest standards body in the world with a highly effective capability. 

Bob Perry, President of BSI Inc in the USA, said: "BSI has built an excellent reputation in North America since operations began in 1991, with clients like Delphi, Sony, Lockheed Martin, TRW and Hewlett Packard who appreciate the local BSI presence. The new, stronger BSI will provide a more comprehensive service to our clients - from small and medium-size companies to the largest multinationals - enabling them to raise their performance and enhance their competitiveness." 

Vivian Thomas CBE, Chairman of the BSI Group of Companies said: "This important acquisition follows the announcement of our highest ever profits and centenary last year, and places BSI in an excellent position for future growth.

"We are already well established in the USA, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and we now have more than 41,700 clients in over 100 countries who choose BSI as their preferred management systems partner," Mr Thomas added. 

CONTACT BSI PRESS OFFICE:
Wilma Tulloch on +44 (0)20 8996 6330 OR
Marc Edney on +44 (0)20 8996 6330