Auckland, Apr 2, 2007 (ABN Newswire) - SAI Global Limited (ASX: SAI) today announced that it will merge its New Zealand branch operations with the country's largest assurance provider Telarc Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Testing Laboratory Registration Council.

The deal creates a powerful assurance organization in the Australasian region by bringing together the largest providers of certification services in both Australia and New Zealand.

On announcing the transaction the chief executive of SAI Global, Mr Ross Wraight, said: "We are delighted to be joining forces with Telarc in New Zealand, a move which further cements SAI's position as one of the leading global assurance providers and strengthens our business base in New Zealand."

Geoff Hunt, Chairman of Telarc, said: "SAI is a logical partner for Telarc. Our clients look to us to add value to their business, so the increased capabilities and the access to further international expertise and experience that this merger brings will ensure our clients receive even more exceptional certification services."

The Transaction

- Telarc and SAI will merge their operations into Telarc which is to be renamed Telarc SAI Limited

- SAI will hold a 25% strategic stake in Telarc SAI

- Telarc's Australian based clients will be serviced by SAI Global

Telarc SAI will offer both management systems and product certification audit services with solutions including quality, environment, occupational health and safety, information security and product safety.

According to Mr Wraight: "The formation of Telarc SAI is in line with SAI's strategy to establish a credible presence in key geographic markets."

Telarc annually assesses the management systems of more than 1,500 organisations in most industry types and in both the private and public sectors.

"Large multinational clients continue to demand one provider of assurance services globally and it is essential that SAI continues to develop its global reach," said Mr Wraight

"The transaction will have a minimal impact on SAI Global this financial year. The combined entity is expected to deliver revenues of approximately AUD6 million in FY2008."

SAI Global now has an international network of offices in countries including: Japan, China, Thailand, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, North America, India, Turkey, Egypt, Australia, and New Zealand.

For further information regarding Telarc please visit http://www.telarc.co.nz/
or for further information on SAI Global please visit http://www.saiglobal.com

About Telarc

Telarc's parent (Testing Laboratory Registration Council) was formed in 1973, is a Crown Entity and is head quartered in Auckland. Today, Telarc is the largest certification body in New Zealand offering a range of management systems certification programs including quality management, environmental management, occupational health and safety and product certification. http://www.telarc.co.nz/