LRQA Amplifies Its Global Risk Management Expertise with Five Strategic Acquisitions
Deal News | Jun 10, 2025 | FM Business Daily
LRQA has significantly bolstered its global position as a risk management specialist by acquiring five strategic companies over five months. This expansion comes in response to increasing demands for risk management and assurance services amid evolving regulatory, cybersecurity, and sustainability challenges. The acquisitions span key areas including ESG, clean energy, digital assurance, and responsible sourcing. The acquired companies, such as Ergon Associates in the UK and RESET Carbon in Hong Kong, bring specialized expertise to LRQA's portfolio. Under the leadership of CEO Ian Spaulding, LRQA is focusing on purpose-led growth and digital transformation to offer a comprehensive risk management service to its global clients. These strategic moves highlight the company's commitment to being a leader in managing contemporary risks across sectors.
Sectors
- Risk Management
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
- Cybersecurity
Geography
- Global – LRQA's acquisitions span the UK, Hong Kong, Canada, and the US, reflecting its global strategy to address diverse risk management needs worldwide.
- United Kingdom – Home to Ergon Associates, one of the acquired companies, enhancing LRQA's capabilities in responsible sourcing.
- Hong Kong – Location of RESET Carbon, another acquisition, bringing expertise in carbon management.
- Canada – StepUp Solution Services, acquired by LRQA, is based here and expands the company's presence in food safety compliance.
- United States – With two acquisitions, Core Business Solutions and EcoEngineers, based here, LRQA strengthens its impact in QMS certification and clean energy.
Industry
- Risk Management – This industry involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, control, or monitor the impact of such risks. LRQA has focus in this domain by expanding through the acquisition of companies with specialized expertise in managing various risks.
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) – ESG refers to the three central factors in measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of an investment in a company or business. Acquisitions like RESET Carbon highlight LRQA's expansion into ESG assurance.
- Cybersecurity – Involves the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. As part of the broader scope of risk management recognized by LRQA to be crucial in today's business environment.
Financials
- Five acquisitions in five months – Reflects the pace and strategy of LRQA in expanding its risk management capabilities.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| LRQA | Acquiring Company | Company | A risk management company that has bolstered its offerings through strategic acquisitions. |
| Ergon Associates | Acquired Company | Company | A UK-based company specializing in labour rights and gender equality. |
| RESET Carbon | Acquired Company | Company | A Hong Kong-based firm leading in carbon management for corporate and supply chains. |
| StepUp Solution Services | Acquired Company | Company | A Canadian authority on food safety, expanding LRQA's reach in North America. |
| Core Business Solutions | Acquired Company | Company | US-based advisors for Quality Management Systems certification. |
| EcoEngineers | Acquired Company | Company | A US firm known for expertise in renewable fuels and decarbonisation strategies. |
| Ian Spaulding | CEO of LRQA | Person | CEO of LRQA, previously founded ELEVATE, significantly influencing LRQA's strategic direction. |