Independent testing, consulting and contract research specialist The Smithers Group (Akron, Ohio / USA; www.smithersgroup.com) has agreed to buy Rapra Technology (Shawbury, Shrewsbury / UK; www.rapra.net) for an undisclosed sum. Rapra was put in administration on 8 March when 21 jobs were axed, but the new owner says it will retain the remaining 118 staff at the Shawbury head office and the Billingham site. Rapra becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Smithers, which has a global client base. Privately-owned, Smithers has four businesses: scientific services, quality assessment, laboratories and pharma services. Its operations are a close fit with those of Rapra and the UK organisation is expected to open up links with European markets for the US parent, particularly in the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors.