Global safety company UL expanded its building science services and footprint in the construction market with the acquisition of building envelope service provider CLEB.

CLEB, based in Montreal, is a privately owned business that conducts building envelope testing, building forensic services, field testing and building system commissioning services for architects, building owners and manufacturers in North America.

Terms of the transaction, which closed on May 5, were not disclosed.

“Entering the building envelope and building sciences market is a natural progression to broaden our business focus from largely fire and security testing and certification services to include the construction market with premium, high-quality, science driven services,” UL told USGNN.com™ in a statement.

CLEB will continue to be led by its president Mario Goncalves, who will report to Kevin Faltin, director of building materials and suppression at UL.

“We are excited by this opportunity to join forces with UL and provide best-in-class services to the building envelope community,” said Goncalves, now CLEB’s principal and global business leader of building science technologies. “…. Combining with UL will allow us to significantly accelerate our growth and access to global markets, in addition to providing our clients with a broader range of complementary services and expertise.’’

CLEB tests curtainwall, windows, skylights and other components of the building envelope at several accredited laboratory facilities in Canada. The company’s employees will also join UL at its recently inaugurated building envelope testing facility in Northbrook, Ill.

“UL and CLEB have a shared mission and complementary businesses,” said vice president and general manager of UL building and life safety technologies division Chris Hasbrook. “We are relied upon by building construction communities for the services and knowledge that they need to enhance public safety, meet regulatory demands, protect brand value and successfully access global markets.”

The newly acquired company will operate as “CLEB, a UL Company.” The group’s building science leadership will be based out of the Montreal and Northbrook headquarters.