Bergen liquid fuel and gas engines are to be found in land-based power generation applications, commercial marine and naval vessels

Derby-based Rolls-Royce has signed an agreement to sell its Bergen Engines medium-speed liquid fuel and gas engines business to global engineering group Langley Holdings plc for an enterprise value of 63 million euros. Langley is funding the deal, together with working capital requirements for the Bergen business going forward, from existing cash reserves.

The agreed sale of Bergen Engines is a part of Rolls-Royce’s ongoing portfolio management to create a more focused group and follows a strategic review of Bergen Engines. It contributes towards its target to generate at least £2 billion from disposals, as announced last year.

Sale proceeds of €70 million from the transaction together with €40 million of cash currently held within Bergen Engines which is to be retained by Rolls-Royce, will be used to help rebuild the Rolls-Royce’s balance sheet in support of its medium-term ambition to return to an investment grade credit profile.

The agreed sale includes the Bergen Engines factory, service workshop and foundry in Norway; engine and power plant design capability; and a global service network spanning more than seven countries. Bergen Engines employs more than 900 people worldwide including 650 in the main factory in Hordvikneset.

In 2020, the business generated revenues of approximately €200 million with the assets and liabilities of the business presented as held for sale in the Rolls-Royce Holdings plc consolidated balance sheet.

Langley Holdings, headquartered in the UK, is a diverse, global, engineering group with its main operations in Germany, Italy, France and the UK, alongside a substantial presence in the USA. The group employs around 4,600 people.

Its activities range from the production of uninterruptible power systems, packaging machinery and electric motors and generators, to the manufacture of safety-critical mechanical handling equipment including for the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) submarine missile loading facility at Coulport, Scotland. Established in 1975 by Anthony Langley, chairman and CEO, the Langley Group is financially independent and remains under family ownership. Bergen Engines will be operated by Langley Group as a stand-alone business.

The agreement is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. Rolls-Royce has notified the Norwegian government of the agreed sale and effective completion is scheduled for the 31 December 2021. Bergen Engines’ long-term relationship with Kongsberg Maritime, distributor of Bergen medium-speed engines to the maritime market, is planned to continue as is.

Warren East, CEO of Rolls-Royce, said: “We believe that this agreement will provide Bergen Engines and its skilled workforce with a new owner able to take the business on the next step of its journey.”

Anthony Langley, chairman and CEO of Langley Holdings plc, said: “The acquisition of Bergen Engines is a strategic step in the development of our power solutions division, and I am looking forward to welcoming the 900-plus employees of Bergen Engines to our family of businesses.”

Jon Erik Røv, Bergen Engines managing director, said: “Today marks the beginning of a new era for Bergen Engines. Through the investments made by Rolls-Royce in our business, together with our dedicated and skilled workforce, and worldwide reputation for quality, I am confident that Bergen Engines will prosper with Langley Holdings as our new owners.”