LRQA Acquires Five Companies in Five Months

In response to global demand for risk management and assurance services, LRQA has completed five strategic acquisitions in five months.

From rapidly evolving supply chain legislation and cybersecurity threats to the race toward decarbonization, companies are confronted with continual challenges to meet growing stakeholder and regulatory expectations, said LRQA. The expansion emphasizes LRQA’s intent to redefine the future of risk management and be a global partner for organizations seeking not only compliance, but competitive advantage, the company said.

The five acquisitions are:

• Ergon Associates (UK): Experts in labor rights and gender equality, boosting LRQA’s capabilities in responsible sourcing and social compliance at a time when forced labor regulations are intensifying.
• RESET Carbon (Hong Kong): Leaders in carbon management across corporate and supply chains, bringing deep capabilities to LRQA’s ESG assurance services.
• StepUp Solution Services (Canada): Authorities on food safety, expanding LRQA’s reach into North American food safety and compliance, a key concern amid rising scrutiny of supply chain integrity.
• Core Business Solutions (U.S.): Top advisors for Quality Management Systems (QMS) certification and expanding its offering for small to medium enterprises.
• EcoEngineers (U.S.): Renowned for work in renewable fuels, clean energy and decarbonization strategies, accelerating LRQA’s expansion into clean tech assurance.

“These acquisitions are not just about growth — they reflect LRQA’s commitment to integrating businesses with strong, founder-led cultures,” Jonathan Chidley, corporate development director for LRQA, said. “For every acquisition we’ve made, we recognize 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.”

CEO Ian Spaulding joined LRQA after founding and leading ELEVATE, a supply chain sustainability firm.

“Our clients are facing a radically shifting risk landscape; one that is faster, more complex and more public than ever before,” said Spaulding. “Bringing these five companies under the LRQA umbrella ensures that our clients are staying ahead of risks that can threaten their reputation, operations and future.”