Technology group Halma has acquired MK Test Systems in a cash deal worth £44m.

The transaction, on a cash and debt-free basis, is to be funded from Halma’s existing facilities.

Halma, based in Amersham and with over 7,000 employees, is a group of safety equipment companies that makes products for hazard detection and life protection.

Headquartered in Somerset, MK Test designs and manufactures safety-critical electrical testing technology, and its products are used globally to test the integrity of high voltage electrical systems in the aerospace, rail and commercial electric vehicle industries.

MK Test, which recently posted an unaudited revenue of £12.4m in the year to March, will be a standalone company within Halma’s safety sector, led by its current management team.

Halma group chief executive, Marc Ronchetti, commented: “MK Test further enhances our capabilities in electrical safety and brings new opportunities for growth, driven by increasing safety regulation and the need to protect high value assets.

“Its technology plays an important role in automated electrical testing and in ensuring the integrity of electrical systems. We are delighted to welcome MK Test and to support its development as it continues to scale its business globally.”

Managing director of MK Test, Jason Evans, added: “Joining Halma means we can grow our business in key markets while helping more businesses meet increasing safety regulations and demands for test traceability. MK Test is aligned with Halma’s purpose of growing a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.”

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