Global software leader acquires alumnus’ company

The company has also provided a number of opportunities for Exeter undergraduates through studentships, MBA projects, internships, mentoring and bursaries, and members of staff have taken Exeter MBA programmes. TCL is also the current sponsor of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS) and supports two places on the sports scholarship programme.

Co-founder and Chairman Stewart Noakes (Physics 1994) has been an active alumni volunteer, including working with the Career Mentor programme. He has also given generously to the Annual Fund and played an important decision-making role on the Fund’s disbursement panel, as well as being a guest lecturer for the MBA programme.

Founded at the beginning of 2000, TCL has a strong customer base in all areas of software testing. QualiTest Group’s clients include Fortune500 companies, and they have a strong global presence which will be enhanced by the acquisition. The decision to join forces was prompted by market demand for increased innovation in testing services as well as the long standing relationship and trust between the founders of both organisations.

Stewart said: "TCL’s enduring vision is to become an international, world-class centre for software testing and this move will accelerate that journey. I'm hugely looking forward to working with Ayal, as part of the QualiTest family, and realising our vision over the next few years."

He added: "Robin, the Innovation Centre, and Exeter have all been of great support and encouragement over the years. Many thanks to everyone who has been involved in helping us get this far, in such a relatively short space of time."