Risk management firm DNV is acquiring a 74.3 percent share in KEMA creating a formidable new global energy consultancy group. The combined firms will include a service offering that joins energy infrastructure testing and certification with sustainability and business consulting.

The new company, DNV KEMA, will include all of KEMA's 1,800 employees and 500 employees from DNV's renewable energy and sustainability business.

With highly complementary services, DNV KEMA will target the energy sector value chain in offering support for wind energy, carbon capture and storage, carbon trading, energy efficiency, power generation, transmission and distribution, and energy-related testing, inspection and certification.

"In DNV, we have found a solid, innovative and international partner that has the same strategic vision, purpose and values as our company. For decades, KEMA has been a highly respected global energy consultant and provider of energy-related testing, inspection and certification services. Both KEMA and DNV have strong traditions as independent leading players with world class technical and business knowledge and growth ambitions," said Thijs Aarten, KEMA CEO, who will lead the new operation headquartered in Arnhem, the Netherlands.

Considered DNV's biggest investment ever, the combined forces will look to expand operations in Asia, particularly in China.

While DNV will become KEMA’s majority shareholder, Dutch energy distribution company Alliander retains its holding (25.4 percent) as does Dutch energy and cable company Cogas (0.3 percent.). The transaction, hoped to be completed within two months, is subject to approval by US, Dutch and German competition authorities.

Earlier this year, DNV published a report of ranking the best firms managing their supply chains for social, environmental and "emerging issues" areas.

And this month, DNV won a top prize as Best Green International Business Award for large companies.

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