Severn Trent offloads Analytical Services arm

Water provider Severn Trent has sold its Analytical Services division to Australian testing inspection and certification (TIC) group ALS Limited for an undisclosed sum.

The unit, also known as Severn Trent Laboratories, provides portable, wastewater and contaminated land testing services to UK commercial and utility customers.

The company announced its intention to dispose of the arm back in August 2012, saying at the time that it had become a smaller business that was predominantly commercial-customer focused. Meanwhile, the sale addressed a number of commitments it had made to Ofwat in relation to the pricing of certain contracts at Severn Trent Analytical Services.

It accounts for around 1.5% of Severn Trent's total revenue.

ALS is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and is one of the largest TIC companies in the world.

No financial information regarding the sale was given.