TUEV SUED Expands its Presence in South Africa to Include Real Estate

MUNICH and CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

TUEV SUED Acquires WAC Projects

By acquiring WAC Projects, TUEV SUED has expanded its activities in South Africa to include real estate. WAC Projects is the country's leading provider of independent testing and consulting services for lift systems. Following its entry into the South African test markets for vehicles and industrial facilities in 2010 and 2011, TUEV SUED is now dedicated to further strengthening its presence and service portfolio in certain sectors in South Africa.

"WAC Projects and its integrated range of services for lift system manufacturers and operators perfectly match our strategy and philosophy. Given this, the acquisition of WAC Projects marks the next logical step towards further internationalization," says Dr Ulrich Klotz, CEO of the Real Estate division of TUEV SUED AG. WAC Projects' service portfolio spans consultancy for new and existing lift systems, periodic safety and quality testing and due-diligence services. The South African company's key client groups comprise amongst others the major property owners and developers as well as property managers of lift and escalator systems, for example in commercial and residential buildings, shopping malls, airports, railway stations and other large buildings and real estate.

"In view of soaring energy costs, there is also a rising demand for energy improvement services," says William Andrew Clifton, CEO of WAC Projects. "In this area, we will certainly benefit from TUEV SUED's global experience with the energy-efficiency certification of lift systems, which will enable us to support our clients in making their systems more energy-efficient." Starting from the core business of WAC Projects, TUEV SUED plans to offer further services on the South African real-estate market in future. There will be a particular focus on all services for energy efficiency and sustainability of buildings.

By acquiring WAC Projects, TUEV SUED is continuing the targeted expansion of its presence in South Africa. Following the establishment of TUV SUD South Africa Holding (Pty) Ltd in May 2010 and TUEV SUED's entry into the South African vehicle inspection market by acquiring a holding in AVTS Roadworthy Stations in summer 2010, the international service provider acquired Pro-Tec Boiler Inspection & NDT Services in October 2011, thus successfully establishing itself also as a service provider for the South African energy industry.

Note for editorial staff: The photo of Dr. Ulrich Klotz can be downloaded in printable resolution from the "News & Events" category at http://www.tuev-sued.de/pressefotos.

Media Relations:

Dr Thomas Oberst
TUEV SUED AG
Corporate Communications
Westendstraße 199, 80686 Munich

Tel. +49(0)89-57-91-23-72
Fax  +49(0)89-57-91-22-69
E-mail   thomas.oberst@tuev-sued.de
Internet http://www.tuev-sued.de

TUEV SUED is a leading international service organization catering to the strategic business segments INDUSTRY, MOBILITY and CERTIFICATION. Over 16,000 employees are represented at more than 600 locations throughout the world. Optimizing technology, systems and know-how, the interdisciplinary specialist teams act as process partners to strengthen their customers' competitiveness.