Sheffield Office Supports Latest Acquisition

Market leader in the management of pump assets for the process industries, AESPUMP, has again signalled its intention to expand overseas with news that it has acquired the James Walker Pump and Valve Refurbishment division of James Walker Benelux.

The James Walker Pump and Valve Refurbishment division has two locations in Holland, employs 24 people and has an annual turnover of €3m.

The latest deal follows AESPUMP’s purchase in July 2012 of Ultimate Vacuum ApS of Denmark, an independent supplier of vacuum pumps and spares. The acquisitive business also bought pump repairer and supplier Absolute Vacuum in February 2012.

Ian Wallace, Managing Director at AESPUMP, said: This deal follows the Ultimate Vacuum purchase and again clearly illustrates our ambition to grow the business not just here in the UK, but overseas. We are delighted to complete the deal and look forward to the opportunities it will bring.”

The Sheffield office of national law firm, Irwin Mitchell, advised AESPUMP on the deal. Irwin Mitchell Corporate Partner, Kevin Cunningham, commented: "This is the company’s second cross border deal and again illustrates not only AESPUMP’s ability to move quickly, but also its drive to expand its European reach”.

AESPUMP’s parent, AES Engineering Ltd, is a global player with its HQ in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The AESPUMP division was formed in 1997, and since then has grown year on year, serving process industries such as petrochemicals, food and drink and pharmaceuticals. AES Engineering has recently announced its purchase of AV Technology on which Cunningham also advised.

AES Engineering’s subsidiary, AESSEAL plc, is the world’s fourth-largest manufacturer of mechanical seals for pumps and other equipment. It now has some 230 locations worldwide, supplying customers in more than 100 countries.