UL to acquire wind energy measurement firm

NORTHBROOK — Underwriters Laboratories said it plans to acquire DEWI GmbH, a German-based global wind energy measurement and testing company. UL has already agreed to acquire a 50.8 percent stake in DEWI GmbH, an accredited certifier of onshore and offshore wind facilities.

Founded in 1990 to support Germany’s emerging wind energy industry, DEWI GmbH has expanded rapidly from a local research and development resource to an international leader in measurement services, micrositing, research and education, as well as technical and economic advisory services. DEWI GmbH has been relied upon by more than 1,300 customers spanning 47 countries worldwide.

“We’re excited to be giving this extraordinary company a bigger pot in which to grow,” said Gitte Schjotz, president of UL Europe and Latin America. “We are thrilled to be adding DEWI GmbH’s high caliber people and industry-leading capabilities, and will dedicate our global reach, resources and trusted brand to building continued and lasting success.”

DEWI GmbH’s performance and efficacy testing will join UL’s wind energy safety certification services to better address the evaluation needs of a global wind energy market that is expected to grow 67 percent by 2015. DEWI GmbH will join UL’s Product Safety business unit and will continue to operate from its facilities in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, Canada, Brazil and China.