SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With 94,000 employees, SGS operates a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world. Originally founded in 1878 in Rouen as a French grain shipment inspection house, the Company was registered in Geneva as Société Générale de Surveillance in 1919. Shares of SGS were first listed on the Swiss Exchange (SWX) in 1985. Since 2001, SGS has only one class of shares consisting of registered shares. The core services offered by SGS can be divided into three categories: Inspection Services. SGS inspects and verifies the quantity, weight and quality of traded goods. Inspection typically takes place at the manufacturer's supplier's premises or at time of loading or at destination during discharge/off-loading. Testing Services. SGS tests product quality and performance against various health, safety and regulatory standards. SGS operates state of the art laboratories on or close to customers premises. Certification Services. SGS certifies that products, systems or services meet the requirements of standards set by governments (e.g. GOST R), standardisation bodies (e.g. ISO 9000) or by SGS customers. SGS also develops and certifies its own standards.