CTI Targets Expansion of its International Footprint into South Africa

July 2025 – Shenzhen, China

Centre Testing International Group Co., Limited (“CTI”), a leading third-party testing, inspection, and certification company, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Safety SA – a prominent South African testing, inspection, certification, and training business (“TICT”) – from the global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ:CG). The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.

Safety SA, founded in 1952 as NOSA, is a leading provider of TICT solutions across Africa, the Middle East and China, focused on food and workplace safety. Through its flagship and proprietary NOSA Five Star System, Safety SA assesses and seeks to improve occupational health, safety and environmental management systems for its clients. The company operates 6 food safety labs and 15 training centers and is supported by a team of over 540 skilled professionals.

“We are thrilled to reach an agreement with Carlyle for the acquisition of Safety SA, and to begin CTI’s journey in Africa,” said Richard Shentu, CEO of CTI. “This acquisition will be a key milestone for CTI as we continue to strengthen our position as China’s leading company in the TICT industry. Safety SA has an outstanding reputation, an impressive portfolio of services and well-established local network. By combining our resources, we will enhance our ability to serve clients across South Africa, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond, further expanding our global footprint and capabilities in food safety and workplace safety. South Africa is an essential gateway to one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. This acquisition marks CTI’s entry into both Africa and South Africa, reinforcing its commitment to broaden its international footprint.”

Pieter Erasmus, CEO of Safety SA, said: “This is a significant milestone for Safety SA. We are delighted to be joining forces with CTI, a global leader in the TICT space. This partnership will help us reach our goal of growing our presence significantly across Africa and the Middle East.”

About CTI

Centre Testing International Group Co., Ltd. (CTI)(stock code: 300012) is a leading third-party testing, inspection, and certification company based in China. With more than 13,000 employees operating a network of about 160 laboratories and more than 260 offices in over 90 cities worldwide, CTI provides comprehensive TIC services to a wide range of industries. The company serves over 100,000 clients, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. CTI’s core capabilities include textiles & apparels, footwear, bags & accessories, toys & hardgoods, electronic & electrical appliances, pharma and clinical, agriculture and food, cosmetics & daily chemical products, petrochemicals, environment & sustainability, building materials & construction works, industrial equipment & manufacturing, rail transit, automotive & aviation materials, chips and semiconductors, green low carbon environmental and ESG services, maritime services, digital certification and etc.

About Carlyle

Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise. With $453 billion of assets under management as at March 31, 2025, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 2,300 people in 29 offices across four continents.