Testing Firms SGS, Bureau Veritas Said In Talks to Combine (1)

SGS SA is in advanced talks to combine with Bureau Veritas SA, people with knowledge of the matter said, in a deal that would create a European testing and certification company with a combined market value of almost $35 billion.

Geneva-based SGS and France’s Bureau Veritas are working on the final details of a transaction that could be announced in the coming weeks, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information.

Shares of SGS have risen more than a quarter over the last 12 months, giving the company a market value of 17.6 billion Swiss francs ...