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Following Global Expansion Severn Group Confirms it has been entered into agreement to be acquired by Valmet Corporation as Part of an Exciting New Chapter in the Firm’s History

  • The $480-million deal marks a new chapter in the story of Severn Group.
  •  Under Bluewater stewardship Severn Group has transformed from an energy focused manufacturer to a diversified industrial business operating across 12+ sectors worldwide
  •  The acquisition by Valmet, a Finland-listed global industrial leader, underscores the complementary nature of the two businesses.
  •  “We are delighted to join Valmet and begin a new chapter for Severn Group. Bluewater’s support has been instrumental in shaping the business we are today, and we now look forward to the future with confidence and momentum,” said Perttu Louhiluoto, CEO of Severn Group.
  • The acquisition is expected to be completed during Q2 2026
 

London, 22 December 2025: Severn Group, one of Britain’s longest-established valve manufacturers, today announced that it has been acquired for $480 million dollars by Valmet, a Finland-listed global industrial leader. Contour Holdings International Limited, known as “Severn Group,” is the holding corporation for Severn Glocon, ValvTechnologies and LB Bentley. This transition follows a successful global expansion strategy led by its largest investor, Bluewater, and marks an exciting new phase in the company’s growth journey.

The global expansion of manufacturing locations in India and USA, positions Severn as a complementary fit within Valmet’s existing footprint.

Perttu Louhiluoto CEO of Severn Group, said, “We are proud to welcome Valmet as our new owners and look forward to building on the strong foundation laid over recent years. Thanks to Bluewater’s visionary leadership, Severn Group has grown from a British manufacturer in the energy space into a global industrial business with a truly international footprint. As we look ahead, the scale and breadth of the global opportunities in front of us are greater than ever and ones we cannot fully unlock alone. Joining Valmet positions us to accelerate our growth, expand into new markets, and deliver even greater value to customers worldwide. We are excited about this next phase of Severn’s journey.”

Thomas Hinnerskov, CEO of Valmet said,This acquisition marks a significant step in the execution of Valmet’s Lead the Way strategy, strengthening our Process Performance Solutions segment and expanding our Flow Control business. Severn’s strong capabilities and proven track record in severe service for demanding applications make it an excellent strategic fit for Valmet. This acquisition strengthens our commitment to deliver lasting customer value over the life-cycle. We are proud to welcome Severn’s skilled and dedicated employees to Valmet,” says Thomas Hinnerskov, President and CEO of Valmet.

Under Bluewater’s strategic guidance, Severn Group transformed from a predominantly upstream oil and gas business (73% in 2020) into a diversified global industrial company, expanding into over 12 new sectors and quadrupling earnings.

Tom Sikorski, Founding Partner at Bluewater, added, “We are pleased to hand Severn Group over to such a capable and global owner. Bluewater’s partnership has transformed Severn into a world-class business, and we thank everyone involved for their dedication. With the acquisition by Valmet, we think we have found Severn a sustainable and complementary home and the business is now well positioned to continue its successful journey and deliver long-term value on a global scale.”



Certified Spares Supplier

As part of our product offering, LB Bentley design and manufacture low, medium and high pressure filtration and drying solutions. To support this part of the business we sell a range of spares that are designed specifically for use on LB Bentley filter and dryer units. 

– 4th August 2023

LB Bentley Launches ESG Strategy

LB Bentley is delighted to launch its ESG strategy..

Our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and positively contributing to the sustainability of society.

– 14th September 2023

LB Bentley Team Join BVAA Future Leaders Program

LB Bentley is delighted that two of our employees have been accepted onto the Future Leaders Program.

Since its introduction in 2016, over 60 delegates have successfully completed the Future Leaders Program course, with many rapidly progressing through their company hierarchy into leadership roles.

– 2nd March 2023

LB Bentley Ltd, Engineering Specialist, presented with the Queen's Award

On Thursday 26th January 2023, LB Bentley was delighted to be presented The Queen’s Award at our facility in Stroud, Gloucestershire.  The award was presented to Rhys Jones, President of LB Bentley Ltd, and Perttu Louhiluoto, CEO of the Severn Group, by Edward Gillespie OBE, the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, and Andy Hodson, Deputy Lieutenant.

– 26th January 2023

LB Bentley Exhibit at Valve World

LB Bentley Ltd: Supporting your future subsea projects

Small bore subsea valves specialist, LB Bentley, will exhibiting at this years’ Valve World to showcase our expertise and technical knowledge.  Our approach to innovation and understanding of the requirements of our global customer base enables us to deliver a comprehensive suite of subsea products that fully satisfies the demands of the industry and the challenges of deployment in extreme environments.

– 8th November 2022

LB Bentley Ltd, Launches New Brand and Website

With LB Bentley Ltd having achieved 50 years in business and the recent changes within the Severn Group, we are taking this opportunity to refresh the LB Bentley brand with a more modern look but one that reflects the heritage from which we came. 

The new logo and brand are designed to be complementary to the other brands within the Severn Group structure but reinforce the individuality of our company and strengthen our brand awareness to reflect the LB Bentley suite of quality products and services. 

– 7th September 2022

LB Bentley Ltd, Engineering Specialist, Wins Queen's Award

The engineering specialist, LB Bentley Ltd, have been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. 

The award recognises the British manufacturer’s three-year trajectory of continuous growth in overseas sales between 2018 and 2020, with a significant growth in international trade. 

– 6th September 2022