AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS—July 31, 2012— ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ today announces the acquisition of Materials Engineering Research Laboratory Limited (MERL) headquartered in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, UK. The addition of MERL and its world-class reputation for the evaluation, analysis and testing of polymeric materials, components and structures is further evidence of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½s resolve to providing industry-leading service for the growing implementation of non-metallics.

“I’m very pleased to announce this addition emphasizing our continued commitment to reinforce our service offering of quality-critical polymer and composite testing in multiple industries,” said Charles Noall, President and CEO of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. 

Founded in 1986 MERL has developed into an independent company with thousands of international clients throughout the Oil & Gas, Aerospace, and Land Transportation sectors. Their range of projects include ensuring the safe and reliable use of materials in offshore Oil & Gas exploration, new polymer material for heart valves, and composite materials in aircraft structures.

“We are delighted to join ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½,” said Dr. Rod Martin, CEO of MERL Ltd. “Not only will this allow us to give our existing clients a much wider technology offering, it also presents MERL staff with greater opportunities to broaden their skills working closely with ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ laboratories throughout the U.S. and Europe.”

MERL’s four-laboratory campus is fully-equipped and staffed by 35 employees with expertise covering the safe and reliable use of elastomers, composites, adhesives and thermoplastics. Nearly half of their staff hold a PhD or decades of R&D experience.“

Bringing MERL’s expertise into the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ fold will further expand our capabilities and capacity for servicing a growing demand for non-metallics, both in established and emerging sectors,” said Noall.

About ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is a global network of laboratories with experts specializing in materials testing, product qualification testing and failure analysis for the Aerospace & Defense, Oil & Gas, Power Generation, and Transportation sectors. Their team of 1000 scientists, engineers and technicians work in laboratories located throughout the U.S. and Europe. For complete Accreditations & Approvals and more information, please visit www.ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½.com.

Media Contact 

Alison Dwyer or Matthew Judge, Smith & Smith PR Ltd., tel: +44 161 927 9487, email: ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½@smithandsmithpr.co.uk.