LRQA has acquired five risk-focused companies across the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Canada, and the United States in a move to expand its service offerings in ESG, clean energy, digital assurance, food safety, and responsible sourcing.
The acquisitions, finalised within a five-month period, respond to increasing client demand for support in navigating regulatory compliance, sustainability requirements, and cyber risk. Each acquisition brings in targeted expertise to address shifting expectations from regulators, stakeholders, and supply chain partners.
Among the acquired firms is Ergon Associates, a UK-based consultancy known for its work in labour rights and gender equality. The acquisition comes amid growing international enforcement of forced labour regulations.
RESET Carbon, based in Hong Kong, joins with its established track record in carbon management and supply chain decarbonisation.
In Canada, LRQA has acquired StepUp Solution Services, which specialises in food safety and regulatory compliance - key areas as global scrutiny over supply chain integrity continues.
Two US-based companies are also now part of LRQA’s portfolio: Core Business Solutions, which provides quality management systems (QMS) support for SMEs, and EcoEngineers, a firm involved in clean energy, renewable fuels, and decarbonisation strategies.
According to Jonathan Chidley, corporate development director at LRQA, the acquisitions are part of a long-term plan to bring in founder-led companies with technical specialisation and operational independence.
“For every acquisition we’ve made, we recognise that the owners are entrusting us with their life’s work. They want to sell to a company that values their legacy, their people and their mission. Crucially, we’re ensuring that expertise, relationships, and innovation continue to flourish within LRQA,” said Chidley.
LRQA’s chief executive, Ian Spaulding (pictured), said that the current risk environment - characterised by regulatory change, environmental transition, and digital exposure - requires businesses to seek assurance services that are proactive rather than reactive. He said the integration of the five firms enables LRQA to offer clients capabilities aligned with current and emerging risks that affect operations and reputations.
Spaulding, who joined LRQA after founding supply chain sustainability firm ELEVATE, has guided the company through several acquisitions in recent years. ELEVATE itself was acquired by LRQA in 2022.
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