Swedish engineering group for industrial engineering Alfa Laval has entered into an agreement to purchase Norwegian maritime software company Navtor from investment firm Accel-KKR in an all-cash deal valued at $700 million. The acquisition will reinforce Alfa Laval’s digital maritime offer and capabilities within fleet management and operational performance.

The transaction is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to customary closing conditions, including the required regulatory approvals. Sweden-based Alfa Laval said it plans to fund the acquisition with available cash and existing sources of financing.

Navtor, established in 2011, was acquired by software investment firm Accel-KKR in 2020. The company is a supplier of electronic navigation and vessel performance solutions and delivers its services through its NavFleet and NavStation offerings, digital charts and ECDIS services.

When the transaction closes, Alfa Laval intends to integrate Navtor’s technology with its existing digital platforms, including StormGeo and Portchain. The latter was acquired by StormGeo in a deal that closed on 30 October 2026 further consolidating the group’s maritime technology portfolio.

Navtor is an international company with around 400 employees in 13 offices around the world and has customers in over 90 countries. In the last year, there has been further geographical expansion with new offices opening in Turkey and Dubai. Alfa Laval expects Navtor to generate annual revenues of $194 million in 2026.

Compliance issues disclosed before close

In connection with the announcement of the acquisition, Alfa Laval also announced that Navtor has identified and reported certain compliance matters in a recent internal review. The findings led the Norwegian firm to strengthen its internal control processes and compliance program.

In Alfa Laval’s announcement the protection arrangements relating to possible pre-acquisition liabilities were, however, stated in different terms in the two language versions.

Alfa Laval said in its English-language press release that as part of the transaction coverage to protect the group against such liabilities had been deferred. Conversely, the Swedish language version said the deal structure had provided a shield against liabilities existing before the acquisition.

The company did not provide more details on the compliance matters. Alfa Laval has been approached for comment.

“We see the enhanced compliance program as a step in the right direction to meet the group’s requirements and standards,” said Tom Erixon, president and chief executive officer of Alfa Laval. He added that he was confident the issues found would be resolved.

A broader digital approach to maritime operations

Alfa Laval expects the acquisition to be margin neutral in the near term. The transaction will be funded out of internal cash resources and the Group's existing financing facilities.

“The strategic significance of the deal is the increasing complexity of making real-time decisions across maritime operations,” Erixon said. “Navtor’s technology and current international footprint will complement Alfa Laval’s existing maritime digital platform and enhance the solutions we offer to customers,” he stated.

The acquisition is a further step in Alfa Laval’s ambition to grow its digital maritime activities and merge navigation, fleet performance and operational management technologies into a broader all-encompassing offering.