Rolls-Royce Acquires VT Controls

Rolls-Royce has acquired marine electrical systems company VT Controls Ltd for £11 million, continuing its growth strategy in the marine market. VT Controls Ltd, acquired from the VT Group, will be incorporated into the Rolls-Royce Marine Electrical Systems business set up earlier this year. The acquisition is an important addition to the new business's capability, as it ramps up to support marine projects involving major electrical systems. Based in Portsmouth, VT Controls Ltd has provided power or automation systems on all front line UK naval platforms in the last decade and is involved in current naval programmes both in the UK and abroad. The company has an impressive pedigree that stretches as far back as the early 1970s when it supplied controls for Brazil's Mk 10 frigates. More recently it has taken a power systems role in the Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer and Astute submarine, and provided automation for Portuguese offshore patrol programmes. The company has also developed its presence in the commercial marine sector, providing automation, power systems, system integration and aftermarket services. Rolls-Royce Marine Electrical Systems is a centre of excellence for marine electrical propulsion, automation & control and motion control systems for commercial and naval markets, linking together other Rolls-Royce products such as prime movers, propellers and thrusters. Saul Lanyado, Rolls-Royce President - Marine, said: "This acquisition is an important element of our strategy for growth in the marine sector. Our products and services support more than 20,000 commercial and naval vessels. VT Controls will enable us to develop an electrical systems capability to continue to turn this product knowledge into a complete, integrated, power solution." Rick Kane, Rolls-Royce President - Marine Electrical Systems, intends to make the Cosham facility the business's headquarters. The acquisition does not include the aerospace division of VT Controls Ltd, based at Wardley, near Manchester, or the oil and gas division in Great Yarmouth, both of which will remain within the VT Group.