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Testing specialist Exova has acquired a leading US vehicle testing company in a multi-million dollar deal.

Edinburgh-based Exova bought Defiance Testing & Engineering Services from current owner Ashok Leyland.

The move adds five testing facilities and 75 personnel to Exova's existing network of more than 3,500 staff based in 22 countries.

Michigan-based Defiance offers testing and engineering services for military vehicles, light trucks, cars and buses.

It specialises in component and system testing, system simulation, engine performance and full vehicle structural testing.

Exova, which reported revenues of £253.6m last year, provides testing and advisory services to customers in sectors such as oil and gas, aerospace, transportation, construction and pharmaceuticals.

Its projects have included testing the integrity of the metal cables on the Forth Bridge and construction materials for the world's tallest building - the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai.

Exova chief executive Ian El-Mokadem said: "Defiance is an excellent addition to the range of technically demanding services that Exova provides to manufacturers of vehicles, components, engines and lubricants.

"By bringing the Defiance team together with our transportation experts in Warren, Michigan and Mississauga, Canada, we are now well placed to extend our range of capabilities and the number of customers we can support."

He added: "This move highlights our intention to further grow our global footprint through strategic acquisitions both in transportation and the many other customer sectors that we serve from our facilities in 22 countries across the globe."