New European dimension in UK testing business

Hogrefe-Verlag ñ the German language psychology and psychometric test publisher has acquired 100% of the shares in TEST AGENCY Ltd, the long-established UK test publisher, training and consultancy organisation. This marks the creation of a truly European dimension to the UK testing industry.

The UK testing industry has a turnover of well in excess of 100 million and test use is increasing in large and small organisations throughout the world, as staff become a central strategic issue. The need for multi-national recruitment and development tools, and the use of the internet to deliver tests worldwide have fuelled real changes in this industry, highlighted by the recent boardroom battles in market leader SHL.

The use of tests in healthcare ñ for diagnosis, rehabilitation, drug testing, forensic work and in primary healthcare ñ is also a key service offered by both TEST AGENCY and HOGREFE-VERLAG.

Dr. G. Juergen Hogrefe, Chairman of HOGREFE-VERLAG comments: ì We bring over 50 years of experience of creating high quality instruments in mainland Europe. Our aim is to keep the same values ñ drawn from the scientific discipline of psychology ñ to provide services which deliver on their promises to clinical professionals, hr and line managers and Occupational Psychologists in UK industry. Weíve invested heavily in new technology over the last decade, allowing us to offer real benefits to European-based multinational corporations.î

ì I am delighted that TEST AGENCY has found such ethical and scientifically-oriented owners,î says Graham Morgan, retiring chairman and CEO of the TEST AGENCY. ìHOGREFE-VERLAG are positioning themselves as a true European assessment publisher. The new company will have a European wide-research capacity and advanced internet delivery capabilities. I understand that TEST AGENCYís already strong UK test catalogue will be supplemented by careful translations and adaptations from Hogrefeís over 500 titles. ì

Dr. Hogrefe commented: ì We hope to make a number of new announcements over the coming month as we invest in and develop our new venture.î