UL to Acquire Wind Energy Measurement Leader DEWI GmbH

NORTHBROOK, Ill. , April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- UL, a world leader in advancing safety, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire DEWI GmbH, a world leader in wind energy measurement and testing services, from the German state of Lower Saxony.  Additionally, UL has agreed to acquire a 50.8 percent stake in DEWI GmbH, an accredited DAP (German accreditation) 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 1300 customers spanning 47 countries worldwide.

"Lower Saxony had the vision to plant a seed and nurture an excellent, economically ,viable business in DEWI GmbH, and 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.[1]  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.

ABOUT DEWI GmbH

Headquartered at Wilhelmshaven, Germany, DEWI GmbH or the Deutsches Windenergie Institut is an organization that completely caters to the wind energy sector, associated investors and developers. DEWI has been involved with the fundamental research in this field and the growth of measuring techniques in order to support and sustain this industry. Several services and tasks associated with the swift improvement of wind energy as well as creation of the wind farms are done by DEWI. In 1990, this independent company was established by the Federal State of Lower Saxony.

About UL (Underwriters Laboratories)

UL is a premier global independent safety science company with more than 117 years of history.  Employing more than 9,000 professionals in over 100 countries, UL has five distinct business units -- Product Safety, Environment, Life & Health, Knowledge Services, and Verification Services – to meet the expanding needs of our customers and to deliver on our public safety mission.  Additional information about UL may be found at UL.com.

[1] International Wind Energy Development – World Update 2010

SOURCE UL