:: SGS Acquires Verilab SA In Antofagasta, Chile

SGS is pleased to announce the acquisition of Verilab SA in Antofagasta, Chile. From its laboratory in Antofagasta, Verilab performs exploration and grade control analysis using fire assay, wet chemistry and instrumental techniques, principally for the mining industry in Northern Chile.

Founded in 1997 and privately owned, Verilab employs 110 staff and reported revenue in excess of CLP 2 billion (CHF 4.2 million) for 2009. This acquisition allows SGS to add geochemical and analytical services to the existing metallurgical and trade related services that SGS Minerals Services offers to its clients in Northern Chile. Together with the Group's other state of the art testing facilities in Santiago, SGS can now provide the growing Chilean mining market with services throughout the life cycle of the existing and future mining operations.

"Our ability to minimize our clients' risk in evaluating projects and to enhance production is now optimized" commented Chris Kirk, CEO of SGS.

Contact:
Jean-Luc de Buman
Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
SGS SA 1 place des Alpes CH 1211 Geneva 1
Tel: +41 (22) 739 95 93
Fax: +41 (22) 739 98 61

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