Global investment firm Carlyle has entered into a definitive agreement to divest its portfolio company, Safety SA, to Centre Testing International (CTI), a leading global provider of testing, inspection, certification, and training (TICT) services. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. The transaction is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
Founded in 1952 under the name NOSA, Safety SA has evolved into a prominent provider of TICT solutions, with a strong operational footprint across Africa, the Middle East, and China. The company specializes in food and occupational safety, offering services that assess and enhance clients’ health, safety, and environmental management systems. Safety SA operates six food safety laboratories and 15 training centers, supported by a workforce of more than 540 professionals.
Carlyle initially acquired NOSA Group in 2018 through its Carlyle Sub-Saharan Africa Fund (CSSAF). In 2020, Alterra Capital Partners—an independent private equity firm established by former members of Carlyle’s CSSAF team—assumed advisory responsibilities for CSSAF’s investments, including Safety SA.
Commenting on the transaction, Pieter Erasmus, Chief Executive Officer of Safety SA, stated:
This marks a significant milestone in our journey. We are thrilled to be joining forces with CTI, a global leader in the TICT sector. This strategic partnership will accelerate our growth ambitions across Africa and the Middle East. I extend my sincere gratitude to Carlyle and Alterra for their unwavering support and for helping us build Safety SA into the robust platform it is today.
Eric Kump, Partner at Alterra Capital Partners, added:
On behalf of both Carlyle and Alterra, I would like to commend the entire Safety SA team for their outstanding work. The sale to a multibillion-dollar international strategic investor is a testament to the strength of the business and its people. It also reflects increasing global confidence in South Africa as a destination for foreign direct investment.
