Certerra today announced the acquisition of Universal Testing & Inspection Services (“Universal” or the “Company”), a New York-based provider of geotechnical drilling, special inspections, construction materials testing and laboratory services for public infrastructure, building construction and heavy civil construction projects.
The acquisition strengthens Certerra’s position in the Northeast and expands its ability to support clients with a broader range of infrastructure, construction, and engineering services. It further advances its strategy of expanding its geographic reach and technical service offerings while maintaining a strong focus on safety and quality service for clients.
“Universal has built an outstanding reputation for technical excellence, quality, and client service in materials testing, lab service and analysis,” said Ed Lyon, CEO of Certerra. “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.”
Universal operates a fully AASHTO-accredited laboratory for the testing of soils, aggregates, asphalt, concrete, fireproofing material and masonry. Over its 35 year history, Universal has evolved beyond the materials testing laboratory, strategically expanding its services and capabilities to meet the needs of broader markets and industry sectors, while also extending its geographic footprint. Today, the Company serves public agencies, asset owners and contractors throughout the Northeast and has established long-term relationships with some of the region’s most prominent organizations and government agencies, on projects ranging from small-scale developments to complex, multi-billion-dollar government programs.
As part of the transaction, Larry A. Mercardante, Universal’s second-generation owner and President with over three decades of experience, will join Certerra as Northeast Division President, leading Certerra’s operations across New York and New Jersey. In this role, he will help drive regional growth initiatives, expand service offerings, and support the integration of Certerra’s specialized capabilities across the Northeast market.
“Joining Certerra is an exciting opportunity for our team and our clients,” said Mercardante. “Our organizations share a commitment to technical expertise, responsive service, and long-term client relationships. Together, we are well-positioned to provide even greater value and sophisticated testing resources to the communities and organizations we serve.”
Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP served as legal advisor to Certerra. Elena Villafane, Esq., and Armand Prisco, Esq., served as legal counsel to Universal Testing & Inspection Services. Nate Wentworth, CVA, CM&AA, FMVA, and Jon Escobar, CM&AA, served as M&A advisors to Universal Testing & Inspection Services.
About Certerra
Certerra is a leading provider of technology-enabled testing, inspection, and certification (“TIC”) services in materials engineering and the earth sciences. Certerra helps assure the quality and advance innovation in the delivery of critical infrastructure, from the ground up. With a team of 1,800+ engineers, technicians, and scientists across 65+ offices and laboratory facilities, Certerra is the partner of choice for infrastructure asset owners, contractors, design professionals, and manufacturers. Together with its clients, Certerra helps ensure that communities are built to last. Certerra is a portfolio company of OceanSound Partners. For more information, please visit www.certerra.com.
About Universal Testing & Inspection Services
Universal Testing & Inspection Services is a New York-based nationally accredited provider of construction materials testing, geotechnical drilling, special inspections and laboratory services. The Company supports public- and private-sector projects throughout the Northeast with a focus on quality, technical expertise and responsive client service.
Contacts
Stefanie Berumen
Director of Marketing
Certerra
(909) 989-1751
sberumen@certerra.com
