Certerra acquired Universal Testing & Inspection Services, expanding its testing, inspection, geotechnical, and engineering capabilities across the Northeast. Universal is a New York-based provider of geotechnical drilling, special inspections, construction materials testing, and laboratory services.
The company serves public infrastructure, building construction, and heavy civil construction projects.
Universal operates a fully AASHTO-accredited laboratory capable of testing soils, aggregates, asphalt, concrete, fireproofing materials, and masonry.
The business has operated for approximately 35 years.
Universal has expanded beyond its original materials testing operations into additional technical services and serves public agencies, asset owners, contractors, and other organizations throughout the Northeast.
Its project experience ranges from smaller developments to multi-billion-dollar government infrastructure programs.
As part of the acquisition, second-generation owner and President Larry A. Mercardante will join Certerra as Northeast Division President.
Mercardante will lead Certerra’s operations across New York and New Jersey and support regional expansion and integration of additional technical capabilities.
Certerra has more than 1,800 engineers, technicians, and scientists operating across more than 65 offices and laboratory facilities.
The company is a portfolio company of OceanSound Partners.
Womble Bond Dickinson served as legal advisor to Certerra.
Elena Villafane and Armand Prisco served as legal counsel to Universal, while Nate Wentworth and Jon Escobar served as M&A advisors to Universal.
KEY QUOTES:
“Universal has built an outstanding reputation for technical excellence, quality, and client service in materials testing, lab service and analysis.”
“Its addition enhances our capabilities in a key strategic market and creates new opportunities to deliver expanded solutions to public and private-sector clients throughout the region.”
Ed Lyon, CEO of Certerra
“Joining Certerra is an exciting opportunity for our team and our clients. Together, we are well-positioned to provide even greater value and sophisticated testing resources to the communities and organizations we serve.”
Larry A. Mercardante, Northeast Division President of Certerra
