Intertek began in 1885 when Caleb Brett started a marine cargo surveying business in London. The company expanded through acquisitions, including Milton Hersey's 1888 testing lab and Thomas Edison's lamp testing center in 1896. Renamed Intertek in 1996 after being acquired by Charterhouse Capital, it now offers assurance services across industries like consumer goods, healthcare, and energy. The company operates a global network providing product testing, certification, and supply chain solutions while maintaining its original focus on quality verification.