Finland-listed industrial technology leader Valmet Corporation has announced its agreement to acquire Severn Group, a prominent UK-based industrial valve company, from private equity firm Bluewater for $480 million (£380 million at current exchange rates). The acquisition, expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, marks a significant expansion for Valmet’s Process Performance Solutions segment and its global Flow Control business.
Severn Group has a UK head office in Gloucester with other offices in Halifax and Aberdeen.
Operating as Contour Holdings International Ltd, Severn group encompasses well-known divisions such as Severn Glocon, ValvTechnologies, and LB Bentley. The group specialises in providing severe service valve solutions for highly demanding applications across critical process industries, including refining, chemical, mining, power generation, and upstream oil and gas. LB Bentley, in particular, is recognised for its high-quality subsea valves.
Thomas Hinnerskov, President and CEO of Valmet, stated: “This acquisition marks a significant step in the execution of Valmet’s Lead the Way strategy, strengthening our Process Performance Solutions segment and expanding our Flow Control business. Severn’s strong capabilities and proven track record in severe service for demanding applications make it an excellent strategic fit for Valmet. This acquisition strengthens our commitment to deliver lasting customer value over the life-cycle. We are proud to welcome Severn’s skilled and dedicated employees to Valmet.”
Under Bluewater’s ownership since 2020, Severn Group has undergone a substantial transformation. The private equity firm’s strategy diversified the company from a business where 73 per cent of its revenue came from upstream oil and gas in 2020, into a global industrial entity with operations across more than 12 new sectors. This diversification significantly reduced its commodity-linked exposure to roughly 25 per cent and quadrupled its earnings. Severn Group currently employs approximately 950 people and maintains manufacturing facilities in the UK, USA, and India.
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Perttu Louhiluoto, CEO of Severn Group, commented on the acquisition:
“We are proud to welcome Valmet as our new owners and look forward to building on the strong foundation laid over recent years. Thanks to Bluewater’s visionary leadership, Severn Group has grown from a British manufacturer in the energy space into a global industrial business with a truly international footprint. As we look ahead, the scale and breadth of the global opportunities in front of us are greater than ever and ones we cannot fully unlock alone. Joining Valmet positions us to accelerate our growth, expand into new markets, and deliver even greater value to customers worldwide. We are excited about this next phase of Severn’s journey.”
The global industrial valves market, valued at an estimated USD 86.67 billion in 2025, is projected for substantial growth, driven by increasing demand from sectors such as oil and gas, power generation, and water and wastewater treatment, with forecasts suggesting a market size of approximately USD 273.49 billion by 2035. Severn Group’s specialisation in severe service valves, critical components where operational failure can have profound consequences, positions Valmet to capitalise on this expanding market.
