Flowserve Corp. has purchased Valbart, a manufacturer of trunnion-mounted ball valves (TMBVs) used primarily in the oil and gas industry, for USD 200 million. Valbart is a privately owned, Italy-based manufacturer of API 6A and API 6D TMBVs in split-body, all-welded, and top-entry configurations.

President and CEO Mark Blinn said the company’s technology and market position in the upstream and midstream oil and gas markets, and growth potential, make it a compelling strategic fit for Flowserve. As part of the acquisition Flowserve will be renamed Flowserve Valbart.

Within the Flowserve structure the local management will continue to act as a stand-alone company with control over their own resources and strategy. Flowserve manufactures fluid motion and control products, including engineered and industrial pumps, seals and valves, as well as a range of related flow-management services.

The two companies made a December 2009 joint-venture agreement to combine Valbart’s ball valve technology with Flowserve’s high-performance noise and cavitation-reducing trim designs. The joint venture has created a high-performance, trunnion-mounted control ball valve.