Electromagnetic Testing Services Ltd (ETS) acquired by NMI Group
On 2 May, 2025, NMi Group, a leading player in the Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Calibration (TICC) sector, successfully acquired Electromagnetic Testing Services Limited (ETS), a specialist electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing and advisory laboratory based in the South-East of the UK. This share transaction marked a significant milestone in NMi’s strategic growth, enabling the Group to enhance its EMC testing capabilities and expand its footprint in the UK market.
Price Bailey were lead advisers for the sale process and the team was led by Stephen Reed, supported by Tom Stewart and Alex Brundle, with legal advisory provided by James Hunter, Christina O’Brien and Catherine Turner of Mills & Reeve Solicitors and additional support from Fiona Hotston Moore of FHM Forensic Accountants, all of whom worked closely in a coordinated effort in achieving a successful outcome.
Advising the exiting shareholder, Price Bailey played a critical role throughout the process—from preparing sales materials and profiling buyers to marketing the business internationally, managing the bidding process and negotiations, helping select the preferred buyer, overseeing the due diligence process and finalising the deal.
Founded in 1995 by George Vassilas, ETS has earned a strong reputation for excellence in Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing, on-site services, calibration, pre-compliance testing and EMC consultancy. These services help ensure electronic devices and systems operate safely and don’t interfere with one another, whilst also ensuring that products meet legal and safety standards before they reach the market. Its diverse client base spans industries including industrial manufacturing, medical technology, electric vehicle (EV) charging, communications and laboratory research.
For NMi Group—already active in EMC testing as part of type approval under the Measuring Instruments Directive/Regulations, this acquisition unlocks new opportunities. ETS specialises in EMC testing, and by integrating ETS’s capabilities, NMi can now provide more comprehensive, end-to-end market access and compliance services.
Our customers have been asking us for expanded EMC testing services, and this acquisition allows us to meet that demand with an experienced and well-respected team. With ETS, we can provide a broader range of compliance services to support customers in gaining access to global markets.
Yvo Jansen, CEO of NMi Group
The acquisition provided a successful exit for George Vassilas who will undertake an initial handover period, during which he’ll be working closely with his long-serving General Manager Conan Smith, who was appointed a Director upon completion of the transaction. George will then enter into a consultancy role in supporting ETS on any special projects before he then fully retires.
The transaction aligned closely with NMi’s long-term buy-and-build strategy to broaden its market access services and technical expertise.
Conan Smith, who has been with ETS for over 13 years, will continue to lead the business as a Director, ensuring operational continuity and service excellence.
Conan Smith, Director of ETS said:
Joining the NMi Group is an exciting next step in our journey. With NMi’s resources and expertise, we can enhance our services and offer even greater support to our clients. I look forward to leading ETS into this new chapter.
George Vassilas said:
I was particularly impressed with the professionalism, hard work and commitment shown by Price Bailey throughout the process. I would like to thank Stephen and the rest of the team at Price Bailey for delivering an excellent result for me personally and for the way they were able to project manage the entire process, whilst coordinating the efforts of all the parties and their advisers on both sides of the transaction.
Stephen Reed, Price Bailey Partner said:
It was a pleasure dealing with George who is genuinely one of the nicest clients I have had the pleasure of representing in more than 25 years of dealing with M&A transactions. It was clear from the start how passionate he was about the business and especially how much he cared for his team of highly dedicated people. I am so pleased at the outcome we were able to help George achieve and I am delighted for NMi who have bought themselves a gem of a business. We are all excited to see what the future brings.
We always recommend that you seek advice from a suitably qualified adviser before taking any action. The information in this article only serves as a guide and no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of this material can be accepted by the authors or the firm.
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