NEWS
Combining strengths
Aker Solutions Solvay to acquire US-based Chemlogics acquires Opus AS A
ker Solutions has acquired a specialist processing company called Opus Maxim Ltd (Opus), headquartered in the UK. This is an acquisition targeted at strengthening its technology portfolio in the process systems segment. Opus is a leader in oil/water separation and produced water treatment, with particular expertise in modifying and enhancing ageing oil and produced water processing systems. Opus, which has around 40 employees in Guildford and the Orkney island of Flotta, has developed in-house technologies and solutions, which it offers to the global market. In Orkney, it has established unique testing facilities, which enable accurate simulation and modelling of fluids generated during oil and gas production. It also enables customers to determine the optimum oil/ water separation and produced water treatment solution specific to an oil company’s reservoir. “The purchase of Opus will significantly enhance our process systems technology portfolio,” says David Merle, head of Aker Solutions’ process systems business. “We have ambitious plans to increase growth in the process systems business, and strengthening our existing produced water treatment, R&D testing facilities and environmental services capability are important steps on that journey.” Visit: www.akersolutions.com
ASSA ABLOY acquires two Chinese fire and security door manufacturers
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SSA ABLOY has signed agreements to acquire two leading fire-rated and security door manufacturers, Xinmao and Huasheng. Xinmao and Huasheng are in the Heilongjiang and Shandong provinces in north-eastern and eastern China respectively. 18 Industry Europe
part of its ongoing transformation, Solvay has signed an agreement to acquire privately-held Chemlogics for a total cash consideration of $1.345 billion. Adding the US-based company to Solvay’s Novecare business unit will create a leader with an extensive portfolio of tailored chemical solutions for the fast-growing oil & gas market, serving stimulation, cementing, production and water management applications.
For Solvay Novecare, this acquisition will yield significant synergies thanks to a comprehensive offering of innovative products and technologies which enables oilfield service players worldwide to competitively and safely extract oil and gas while reducing water consumption. Chemlogics has shown annual double-digit EBITDA growth over the past five years, thanks to a fast-paced innovation model combined with a strong knowhow and closeness to customers. “This acquisition accelerates Solvay’s ongoing transformation towards an innovative chemical solution provider focused on high growth and strong margin businesses with a more balanced geographical and market presence,” said JeanPierre Clamadieu, CEO of Solvay. “Our expansion in the energy sector builds on our strategy to provide differentiated solutions addressing the sustainability challenges that society faces with an increasing number of consumers and scarce resources.” Visit: www.solvay.com
PressureFab purchases RT Metals
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undee-based PressureFab has announced its acquisition of Arbroath stainless steel manufacturer RT Metal Services Limited. PressureFab is a leading designer and fabricator of specialist certified offshore equipment, such as containers, topside modules, reelers, tanks, filtration systems and modular systems, for use in the oil and gas industry. Hermann Twickler, managing director of PressureFab, said: “We welcome the addition of RT Metal Services to our group of companies. We are confident that this will open up opportunities with new and current customers for the manufacture of piping and vessels from stainless steel, duplex and inconel materials. “I am very pleased that Xinmao and Huasheng are joining the ASSA ABLOY Group. The acquisitions of Xinmao and Huasheng represent another important step in our strategy to grow market presence in China and other emerging markets,” says Johan Molin, president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY. “Xinmao and Huasheng are great additions to the ASSA ABLOY Asia Pacific
Reaching an annual turnover of nearly £6 million in 2012, PressureFab has more than doubled year on year since its inception. The acquisition of RT Metal Services represents PressureFab’s diversified strategy to grow the company through acquisitions in addition to its own rapid organic growth. Visit: www.pressurefab.com
division. They complement very well our existing fire-rated door product offering in China, both geographically and commercially. It will also be beneficial to our key account management in the area,” says Jonas Persson, executive vice-president of ASSA ABLOY and head of division Asia Pacific. Visit: www.assabloy.com
