Burckhardt Compression to acquire Italy’s Fornovo Gas

A DA500 oil free high-speed horizontal reciprocating compressor from Fornvogas. Fornovogas has been acquired by Burckhardt Compression. (Image: Fornovogas)

Burckhardt Compression has signed an agreement to acquire Fornovo Gas, a European supplier of gas compression systems focused on biogas and compressed natural gas applications.

Burckhardt said the acquisition is intended to strengthen its position in the growing biogas and CNG markets while expanding its mid-sized reciprocating compressor portfolio.

Founded in 1969 and based in Italy, Fornovo Gas develops and manufactures mid-sized reciprocating compressor systems used in applications including biogas upgrading, biomethane injection, compressed natural gas fueling and industrial gas services. The company has established a strong market position across Europe and employs approximately 120 people.

Burckhardt Compression said Fornovo Gas generates annual sales in the double-digit million-Swiss-franc range with profitability levels comparable to Burckhardt’s.

The Swiss compressor manufacturer said the acquisition adds complementary technology and application expertise, particularly in renewable gas and decentralized gas infrastructure markets.

Fabrice Billard, CEO of Burckhardt Compression, said the transaction broadens the company’s capabilities in European biogas applications while creating additional growth opportunities for configurable mid-size compressor packages globally.

Burckhardt said combining Fornovo Gas’ engineering capabilities with its own international sales and service network is expected to strengthen the combined company’s position in markets tied to energy security and energy transition investments.

The deal reflects continuing industry interest in biomethane and renewable gas infrastructure, particularly in Europe where governments and utilities have accelerated efforts to diversify gas supplies and reduce emissions intensity. Biogas upgrading and biomethane injection projects typically require compression systems for gas gathering, purification, transportation and grid injection.

Compressed natural gas infrastructure has also remained an active niche market in parts of Europe for transportation and distributed energy applications.

For Burckhardt Compression, the acquisition further expands its presence beyond traditional oil and gas, LNG and industrial compression markets into lower-carbon gas applications. The company has increasingly positioned its reciprocating compressor technology for hydrogen, carbon capture, LNG boil-off gas and renewable gas projects.

The transaction is expected to close within the next two months, subject to customary conditions. Burckhardt Compression said additional details will be discussed during its annual media and analyst conference scheduled for June 4.