ABB to acquire Rotork for £4.1bn in cash deal

The British engineering firm Rotork has agreed to a takeover by Swiss industrial giant ABB in a deal valued at 4.1 billion pounds, marking the latest in a series of foreign acquisitions of London-listed companies. The agreement, announced on July 16, 2026, will see ABB pay 506 pence per share in cash for the Bath-based manufacturer of flow control equipment, a premium of approximately 73 percent to Rotork's closing share price the previous day.

ABB, one of Europe's largest industrial engineering groups, stated the acquisition is its largest ever and is intended to significantly expand its automation and electrification businesses. The Swiss company said Rotork, which specializes in equipment that controls liquids and gases for the energy, water, and utilities sectors, will operate as a separate division within ABB's automation unit. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

The boards of both companies have unanimously recommended the deal. ABB's Chief Executive, Morten Wierod, said the combination brings a compelling strategic fit, praising Rotork's engineering quality and customer trust. Rotork's Chairwoman,...