Robotics business Rovtech acquires for subsea expansion
Barrow-based robotics business Rovtech is to acquire the VALOR Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) business from Seatronics what it describes as “a seven-figure deal”.
The acquisition will, says the company, “enhance Rovtech’s position as a global technology leader in manufacturing robotics, tooling and harsh environment equipment for nuclear and subsea operations.”
The company, with bases in Barrow and Aberdeen, develops precision robotics and stand-alone monitoring systems designed to withstand radiation, extreme heat, and deep ocean pressures.
John Polson, CEO of Rovtech, commented: “The VALOR ROV has provided a step change in what has traditionally been the limitations of an Observation Class ROV.
“Its lightweight design, power, manoeuvrability, and unmatched ability to integrate several state-of-the-art sensors, make it an indispensable tool for modern subsea operations, and we are thrilled to integrate this business into Rovtech.
“With this acquisition, we’re not just expanding our capabilities – we’re looking to set the standard for efficiency and innovation across the nuclear and subsea energy sectors.
“Complementing our current nuclear ROV offering, we are now well-positioned as the provider of some of the world’s most advanced and reliable ROVs on the market. I am also excited to witness the incredible potential for collaboration between the two teams going forward, and what this will unlock.”
Rovtech itself was recently acquired by climate tech venture studio Ventex, which is focused on repurposing companies, technologies, skills and experience in the existing supply chain to support renewable energy markets.
Ventex has a strong investment pipeline and will be making further investment announcements in the coming months.
The studio is also investing in early-stage companies with technologies that have significant potential to help solve the climate crisis.
Ventex Managing Partner Steve Gray said: “Rovtech’s acquisition of VALOR brings together world-class engineering and manufacturing with technology leadership to create a new leader in robotics for subsea, nuclear and other harsh environments.
“By applying Rovtech’s full-service product development, prototyping and manufacturing capability to the cutting-edge VALOR program, we will enable lower cost, safer and lower carbon work for end-users of subsea robotics.”
The deal doubles Rovtech’s workforce, which operates across two key sites in Aberdeen and Barrow-in-Furness, from 10 to 20 employees.
Ventex Managing Partner Stuart McLeod added: “This acquisition underscores Ventex Studio’s unwavering belief in, and commitment to, its portfolio companies and leadership teams.
“We want to elevate their ability to productise and scale technologies, ultimately positioning them as industry leaders.”
The acquisition of Rovtech, and the Seatronics VALOR ROV, follows Ventex investments in Aberdeen-based High Performance Robotics (HPR) and decommissioning-focused artificial intelligence firm Rahd, headquartered in Perth, Australia.
HPR has extended its cost-efficient subsea inspection services using micro robotic systems from the oil and gas sector to the offshore wind market. This strategic move aims to deliver significant cost and carbon footprint savings.
Meanwhile, Rahd’s AI technology is poised to dramatically reduce decommissioning costs for North Sea operators and net the UK Treasury several billion pounds.
Ashtead Technology acquired Seatronics in November 2024, to expanded our subsea survey rental offering by acquiring Seatronics, a global leader in rental subsea electronics.
