Metso Automation and The Linde Group have signed a purchase agreement regarding MAPAG Valves GmbH, a manufacturing company of high performance butterfly valves for the petrochemical, air separation and liquefied natural gas (LNG) industries. The enterprise value is EUR 36 million. In connection with the transaction, the parties have made a long-term partnership agreement. The acquisition will require relevant regulatory approvals.

MAPAG Valves operates a modern factory in Horgau, near Munich. It employs around 100 persons and its net sales in 2008 is estimated to be approx. EUR 36 million. The company is operating profitably. Its special strengths are in engineering, project management and process know-how for demanding applications.

"With the acquisition, Metso supports its strategy to complement the product offering for the energy and hydrocarbon industries," says Pasi Laine, President, Metso Automation. "It also improves Metso Automation's market position in the fast growing industrial markets, such as industrial gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The partnership agreement enables to deepen the customer relationship and technology cooperation with The Linde Group."

The Linde Group is a world leading gases and engineering company with more than 50,000 employees working in around 100 countries worldwide. In the 2007 financial year it achieved sales of EUR 12.3 billion.

Courtesy of Metso