Metso to sell its Process Automation Systems business

Metso Corporation and Valmet Corporation have entered into an agreement on the sale of Metso's Process Automation Systems (PAS) business to Valmet. The enterprise value of the transaction is €340 million. The divestment is in line with Metso's new strategy announced in July 2014, under which Metso will focus on the product and services businesses for the oil and gas, mining and aggregates industries. When announcing its new strategy, Metso also stated its intention of studying alternatives for its PAS business.

The PAS business provides automation solutions for the pulp, paper and power industries, with a range of services covering automation and quality control systems, analysers and measurements, and related services. PAS has 1600 employees in approximately 80 locations around the world. In 2013, PAS generated net sales of around €300 million.

The transaction, which is estimated to be closed by 1 April 2015, is subject to approval by competition authorities. Metso expects to book a significant capital gain after the closing.

"We are very pleased to announce this transaction. It is a logical step and an important milestone in implementing our new strategy. We are happy that we could achieve this strategic milestone in a timely manner, thereby allowing Metso to fully focus on growing its core businesses and also minimising the period of uncertainty for the PAS business and people," said Matti Kähkönen, president and CEO of Metso.

"Metso will continue developing intelligent solutions for its mining, aggregates and flow control customers. For our pulp, paper and power customers we will remain a trusted partner through our valve solutions," Kähkönen concluded.