Gordons advise on ERM acquisition of Harrogate-based JSC International

ERM, the world’s leading sustainability consultancy, has completed the acquisition of JSC International Limited (JSC).

Gordons acted as legal advisors to ERM, and were led by partner Jonathan Asquez and solicitors Amy Pierechod and Stephanie Houghton. Further assistance was provided by Julian Moran (tax), Bryony Goldspink (employment) and Matthew Ambler (pensions).

JSC is a leading regulatory affairs consultancy based in Harrogate in the UK and provides expert independent regulatory and risk assessment advice in the area of agrochemicals, biocides and general chemical legislation.

Established in 1992 and employing 30 staff, JSC provides regulatory advisory services to the chemical industry to help them to navigate the complexities of the EU regulatory environment. It provides the full range of consulting services including data gap analysis, study monitoring, preparation and submission of dossiers and post-submission support. All these services are provided with the aim of maximising the likelihood of a successful registration for their clients.

ERM is a leading provider of environmental, safety, community and broad sustainability services to the chemical sector and is committed to continuing to grow its presence in and deliver high value services to clients in this important sector. This includes helping clients obtain registration for their products and managing compliance with existing and developing legislation internationally in this area. In March 2015 ERM strengthened its offering in this sector with the acquisition of ReachCentrum, a significant provider of services in chemical registration under REACH, the European Union’s regulation on chemicals and their safe use.

By acquiring JSC, ERM will continue to broaden its service offering to its clients in the chemical sector by adding deeper technical expertise in agrochemicals and biocides to the registration and authorisation process management services that it currently provides to clients in the sector. JSC brings to ERM a team with skills that are highly complementary to those in ERM’s existing practices and consolidates the company’s presence across a broad range of offerings to clients in this sector. The acquisition also strengthens ERM’s leading position in the product stewardship/sustainability market, as part of its objective to broaden its capability to support clients in product safety and stewardship.

“Bringing JSC on board is another significant step in our long-term growth strategy in the chemical sector and builds on our recent acquisition of ReachCentrum,” explained David McArthur, director of acquisitions and corporate development for ERM. “We have been impressed by the long-term relationships JSC has developed with many of its clients, some of whom we share, the quality of its client service and, of course, its people. There is a great fit between our companies and we look forward to combining our joint technical expertise and thought leadership to better serve our clients.”

JSC’s managing director, Lucy Croucher said, “It was clear to us the very first time we met ERM that they share our business and ethical values. The acquisition will allow JSC to continue to grow and thrive while at the same time providing ERM with opportunities to develop further in the chemical sector. We can see many opportunities for our two companies to benefit from this acquisition, both in terms of new markets and technical offerings for our clients. We are delighted that we have been able to find such a good home for JSC; this will ensure ongoing career development opportunities for our staff, broadening of the services we offer our clients and hence will ensure the team’s success for many years to come.”