The Smithers Group has entered an agreement to acquire the Environmental Sciences Group (ESG) from Covance Laboratories. Based in Harrogate, UK, ESG provides scientific and regulatory services for product registration and risk assessment for clients in the agrochemical, pharmaceutical, industrial chemical and animal health industries. ESG will become part of the Smithers Viscient organization.

“The Environmental Sciences business represents a tremendous strategic fit for Smithers,” said Michael Hochschwender, president and chief executive officer of The Smithers Group. “We have long respected the expertise and capabilities of this group and we are excited about what this acquisition means for our clients in terms of a broader range of services.”

Volker Bornemann, president of Smithers Viscient, said, “The ESG acquisition is greatly enhancing our ability to service clients globally, but specifically in Europe and Asia. Building upon our already diverse service offering, expanding our scope and capabilities is very exciting.”