Law firm Addleshaw Goddard has advised Cawood, the UK’s largest provider of analytical laboratory testing services for the land-based industries, on the acquisition of Scottish microbiology and food chemistry testing laboratory, Express Micro Science (EMS).

EMS performs microbiological testing services for the food, leisure, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries to ensure products are safe for use and consumption. This acquisition takes Cawood into a new market for food safety testing, extending the group’s agrifood capability to the whole supply chain.

The Corporate team at AG advising on the acquisition was led by Partner George Danczak, supported by Daniel Rathbone, Gabrielle Cummins and Emma Johnston. 

The deal follows on from AG advising Cawood on its sale to EBI Group in November of last year, and Cawood's subsequent acquisition of independent testing laboratory Chemtech Environmental in December. 

George Danczak said: "This acquisition will allow the Cawood group to provide an end-to-end service for the agrifood industry, from the farm to the supermarket, as the group continues to go from strength to strength across the UK."