The acquisition stengthens Frese’s position in the Danish and global district energy markets.This will enable the company to provide a broader product portfolio to district energy companies, combining the dynamic Frese valves with ball valves for pre-insulation and underground installations in networks. DE Valves is a manufacturer of these valve types, which are based on the so-called JIP technology, named after the founder of ball valve production in Denmark, Joergen Ib.

'Frese is a growth-oriented company and we aim to increase our market share in district energy. This makes DE Valves an ideal addition for us, since they can deliver an established product line and a brand, which – in spite of the company’s relatively small size – is both well-known and respected in the sector, in Denmark as well as internationally,' says Frese chief executive René Barington.

Security and development

DE Valves was founded in 1974 as a manufacturer of several types of ball valves, and ownership has changed over the years. In 2015 a management buy-out was completed, and managing director Vagn Erik Larsen took over the production of ball valves for pre-insulation and underground installations in the small town of Glamsbjerg on Funen. Frese acquired 70% ownership on April 1, 2020 with an option to buy the remaining 30% at a later date.

Vagn Erik Larsen is very pleased with the new ownership structure:

'We are securing the future of DE Valves. We will be part of a large organisation with plenty of know-how, which has been around for many years. A reliable company, which is known for maintaining strong relations with customers and partners. It will help us in our future development process, provide stability, and hopefully add new jobs.'