ABB aims to expand its offerings in automation technology with the acquisition of Rotork, a British actuator specialist. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027. ABB has reached an agreement with Rotork on a recommended cash offer to acquire all of the company’s issued and future shares.
Rotork is a global provider of smart flow control solutions and a leading independent manufacturer of electric actuators. The transaction values the company at approximately 5.5 billion US dollars.
With this acquisition, ABB aims to further expand its activities in the areas of electrification and automation. The Automation Division’s portfolio is to be expanded, particularly for large infrastructure and industrial projects.
Rotork: Access to Larger International Projects
Rotork brings expertise in flow control, measurement technology, and smart field devices.
This expands ABB’s automation portfolio at the field device level and complements its solutions along the “measure – control – regulate” loop with smart field devices and software. At the same time, the Group is strengthening its offering of electric actuators used in process industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, and the water and energy sectors.
In return, Rotork is expected to benefit from ABB’s international presence, service organization, and the company’s digital platforms and technologies.Both companies anticipate that this will drive growth, boost the service business, and advance the development of intelligent diagnostic and asset management solutions. In addition, Rotork is expected to gain access to larger international projects and additional markets.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027
Following the completion of the acquisition, Rotork is expected to remain an independent division within ABB’s Automation business unit. This aligns with ABB’s decentralized business model.
ABB employs more than 1,700 people in the United Kingdom and intends to maintain Rotork’s UK sites as production and technology centers.
According to the company, there are currently no plans for significant changes to its presence in the United Kingdom.
The acquisition is to be financed through existing cash reserves and committed bank loans. In addition, ABB expects net proceeds of approximately $4.8 billion from the planned sale of its robotics division to SoftBank.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to approval by Rotork shareholders and the necessary antitrust and regulatory approvals.
