Bankers are racing to assemble debt financing for a potential takeover of British testing specialist Intertek Group Plc. Syndicates led by European and UK banks have floated packages that total roughly £5 billion ($6.7 billion). Private‑equity firm EQT AB is the sole bidder reported, prompting lenders to line up credit facilities that could tip the balance in a competitive M&A market.

Dealmakers view Intertek as a stable cash‑generator with a global footprint in product certification, safety testing and quality assurance. A leveraged buyout of this scale would increase the firm's debt load, but also gives EQT a platform to consolidate fragmented testing services across Europe and Asia. The financing mix includes revolving credit, term loans and bridge facilities, giving EQT flexibility during post‑closing integration.

The scramble for financing signals appetite for leveraged acquisitions in the industrial services sector, even as banks tighten underwriting standards after defaults. If EQT secures the full £5 billion package, the transaction could close within months, delivering a sizable new asset to its portfolio and reshaping competition among testing firms. Analysts estimate the deal could lift EQT's earnings per share by several cents once synergies materialize.