ABB acquires Rotork for about $5.5bn

2026-07-16 · Publisher : ABB · Domain : Industry 4.0 & 5.0

On 16 July 2026, ABB announces the acquisition of UK valve actuator specialist Rotork for an enterprise value of about $5.5bn. Nine months after announcing the sale of its robotics, ABB strengthens its field-level automation.

### Background On 16 July 2026, **ABB** announces a recommended offer for UK-based **Rotork**, a specialist in **valve actuators** and flow control for critical infrastructure. The deal extends ABB's automation offering at the field device layer. ### Key facts - All-cash offer of **503 pence per share**, a premium of about **60%** to the three-month average share price. - Enterprise value of about **$5.5bn**. - Rotork: about **$1bn** in 2025 revenue, 24.6% adjusted operating margin, 8% average annual organic growth in 2022-2025 (oil and gas, chemicals, process, data centers, water, power). - Rotork will become a **separate division** of ABB's **Automation** business area, adding about 12% to its revenue. - Closing expected in **H1 2027**, subject to shareholder vote and regulatory approvals. ### Why it matters After announcing in October 2025 the sale of its robotics business to SoftBank, ABB refocuses its automation on process industries and infrastructure. Smart actuators, with diagnostics and asset management, become a gateway to digital services and lifecycle maintenance of installations. ### Takeaway ABB moves away from robotics toward field devices for process industries and data centers.

Tags : Acquisition, Automatisation, Europe