Stewart Group, the international metals and minerals inspection and analysis group, has completed the acquisition of Canada-based G&T Metallurgical Services (GTMET) for an undisclosed sum. It says the acquisition cements the position of Stewart Group “as one of the world’s key providers of inspection and analysis, geochemical and assay, and now mineralogy and metallurgy services, with annual revenues in excess of €60 million.”
GTMET employs 63 staff at its state-of-the-art facility in Kamloops, British Columbia and has undertaken projects across the world with particular prominence in North, Central and South America, and Australasia. The company has a strong worldwide reputation through its expertise in precious and base metals, and its pioneering mineralogy capability with QEMSCAN applications, which accelerates the processes of mineral identification. That technology is examined in detail in International Mining’s February issue.
Stewart Group and GTMET entered into a strategic alliance in 2009, established to provide mining companies across the globe with an integrated service at every phase of the exploration cycle – from early stage green field exploration through to mine production. GTMET will form a third division within Stewart Group – Mineralogy & Metallurgy – and will be headed up by GTMET President Tom Shouldice, operating alongside the existing group divisions of Geochemical & Assay and Inspection & Analysis.
John Notman-Watt, Managing Director at Stewart Group, said: “The international minerals inspection, testing and certification market is a fast moving sector, with many customers looking to form long-term partnerships as the range of services required diversifies. It is essential in this competitive market that Stewart Group provides a full suite of analytical and inspection services to service the rapidly growing market driven by the increasing global demand for core commodities.
“This acquisition presents Stewart Group with an excellent platform to expand our global reach, while providing customers with a seamless, integrated service. Our companies are of similar business cultures, values and ambition, so we are delighted to welcome Tom Shouldice, Vice President John Folinsbee, and the entire GTMET team to our Group.”
Tom Shouldice, President of GTMET, also appointed Managing Director of the Mineralogy & Metallurgy division of Stewart Group, added: “The strategic alliance formed in 2009 was a positive move that allowed both Stewart Group and GTMET to benefit from one another’s skill sets and capabilities. This acquisition enables us to continue our development in the international market that is growing at 10% a year. We are delighted to now be a fully integrated division of Stewart Group.”
