Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, a global provider of testing, inspection, certification and compliance (TICC) services, has made its 11th deal in 2025, acquiring Construction Testing Services.
The provider of construction materials testing services in Northern Ireland is the 22nd business within Phenna’s highly integrated Infrastructure Division. It marks another significant step in expanding the division and supports the group’s strategy of building a strong, geographically diverse network of testing, inspection, certification, and compliance (TICC) companies.
Construction Testing Services will be incorporated into Simtec, one of Phenna’s specialist materials testing businesses. This move follows Simtec’s expansion, with the opening of new locations in London and East Anglia earlier this year.
Roy Browne and Michael Craig, directors of Construction Testing Services, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved to date and are excited about this next chapter as we join Phenna Group and become part of Simtec.
“From our first discussions, it was clear that our values were closely aligned, and we see great potential in combining our strengths to continue delivering excellent service to our clients across Ireland and beyond.”
Chris Simmons, managing director of Simtec, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Roy, Michael and their team into Simtec. Their expertise and strong local presence in Northern Ireland are a perfect complement to our recent growth in London and East Anglia.
“This acquisition significantly enhances our geographic reach and gives us the platform to better support clients across the region with high-quality, responsive testing services.”
Stuart Abbs, divisional MD of Phenna Group’s Infrastructure Division, said: “Construction Testing Services is a strong strategic addition to our Infrastructure Division. Their technical capability, well-regarded brand, and regional strength in Northern Ireland align well with Simtec’s growth ambitions.
“We’re confident that together, they will create even greater value for our customers and continue to deliver industry-leading standards of service.”
Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome Roy and Michael, and their team to Phenna Group. We’ve been impressed by their team, culture, and quality of service. This acquisition supports our long-term growth strategy and further strengthens our Infrastructure Division’s presence across the UK and Northern Ireland.
“I look forward to seeing the business thrive as part of Simtec, and I’m excited about the future opportunities this creates for our customers, colleagues, and partners.”
Phenna Group were advised by Browne Jacobson and Johnston Carmicheal.
Construction Testing Services was advised by Carson McDowell and the team at D.N. Mawhinney & Co.
Matt Bolton, partner in the corporate team at Browne Jacobson, said: “We are very pleased to have supported Phenna Group on this strategic acquisition. Construction Testing Services has built a strong reputation as a leading provider of construction materials testing services in Northern Ireland and will augment the growth of Phenna Group’s Infrastructure Division as part of Simtec.”
