Marlowe continues acquisition spree

Acquisitions continued to drive growth at Marlowe (MRL) during the first half, with bolt-on additions largely responsible for the near-60 per cent increase in sales. The group, which provides assurance, testing, inspection and certification services, uses a ‘buy-and-build’ strategy to build scale and increase route density. Three purchases were made during the period, including water treatment and hygiene company Clearwater, with associated restructuring costs forcing down pre-tax profits.