Norwegian government blocks £130m Rolls-Royce deal
The Norwegian government has stepped in to block Rolls-Royce’s £130m sale of Bergen Engines.
The Derby firm announced in February that it was selling Bergen Engines to the Russian group TMH, and insists that it followed the appropriate processes in contacting Norwegian authorities ahead of the announcement of the deal.
Earlier this month, the Norwegian authorities had asked for the deal to be paused because of security concerns.
Bergen Engines has been a part of Rolls-Royce since 1999 and has approximately 950 employees, with the majority based in Bergen, Norway. In 2019 the business generated revenues of £239m.
In a statement this morning, Rolls-Royce said: “We have co-operated with the Government’s subsequent review by pausing the sales process and believed we had identified a new owner willing to invest in the business and its people for the long-term. We await formal legal notification by the Norwegian government.
“Bergen Engines has a skilled workforce and significant future commercial opportunities, but the manufacture of medium-speed gas and diesel engines is not core to our long-term strategy and we do not intend to retain the business.
“Today’s announcement will cause significant uncertainty in Bergen Engines, which employs more than 900 people worldwide including 650 in the main factory in Hordvikneset. We will be seeking the assistance of the Norwegian Government to swiftly find another option, which can provide Bergen Engines and its people with the investment required for the future and Rolls-Royce with an appropriate outcome.”
Rolls-Royce says it remains committed to its target, as set out originally on 27 August 2020, to raise at least £2bn from disposals by early 2022.
