Italian valve manufacturer Valvitalia has acquired the UK defence supplier Broady Flow Control.

Italian valve manufacturer Valvitalia has acquired the UK defence supplier Broady Flow Control.

Founded in 1902, Broady is an engineering company that produces specialist valves for industries including petrochemicals and oil and gas. The East-Yorkshire based company also supplies to the defence industry, including the use of its products on Royal Naval vessels.

Broady was sold by chairman Tony Derrick for an undisclosed sum. He bought the company in a management buy-out in 2000, but has decided to retire.

Under the terms of the transaction, the new owners will retain MD Rob Moulds and the company’s 85 employees.

Milan-based Valvitalia produces valves and various related fittings, primarily for use in the energy sector, which it trades in 77 countries. The company has over 1,000 employees, and operates 12 manufacturing plants.