LONDON: Halma Plc (HLMA.L), the global group of life-saving technology companies, announced on Tuesday that it has acquired Brownline, a Netherlands-based provider of gyroscopic locating systems, for €150 million (approximately £129 million) in cash.
The acquisition, funded from Halma’s existing facilities on a cash- and debt-free basis, is a strategic move to expand the company’s footprint in technologies supporting infrastructure development, particularly in the energy, fiber connectivity, and water sectors.
Founded in 1994, Brownline specializes in advanced gyroscopic locating systems used by Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) contractors for trenchless underground drilling. Its technology is designed to deliver pinpoint accuracy in subterranean projects without causing surface disruption.
Brownline’s principal markets are North America, continental Europe, and the UK. The company, which has offices in the Netherlands, the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, reported unaudited revenue of €37 million (approximately £32 million) for the 12 months ending March 31, 2025.
Marc Ronchetti, Halma’s Group Chief Executive, said the acquisition aligns with the company’s purpose of supporting the global energy transition. “Brownline’s technology is a game-changer for safely installing underground infrastructure,” Ronchetti said in a statement. “Its ability to deliver pinpoint accuracy without surface disruption is increasingly vital as cities continue to expand and electrification accelerates.”
Brownline will operate as a standalone company within Halma’s Environmental & Analysis sector and will continue to be led by its current management team.
Bertjan Molenaar, Founder and CEO of Brownline, expressed optimism about the new partnership. “Joining Halma marks an exciting new chapter for Brownline,” Molenaar said. “We’ve built our reputation on precision, innovation, and reliability—values that align closely with Halma’s purpose and long-term vision. Their decentralized model gives us the autonomy to continue doing what we do best.”
The acquisition follows Brownline’s partnership with Mentha over the past seven years, during which the company said it professionalized and grew its business.