Will French nuclear submarine supplier Segalt valves go under US flag?

American Flowserve gets its hands on Segalt. This French company supplies valves for French nuclear submarines and the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier. The Ministry of Armed Forces is preparing its defence.

The French defense sector is filled with thousands of small strategic companies that are often unknown to the general public. Among these SMEs, Segalt supplies the Naval Group with valves for the nuclear boiler rooms that equip French nuclear submarines – including the Safren – and the Charles-de-Galle aircraft carrier.

The Essonne-based company, which has 1,650 employees, could go under the American flag through the acquisition of its Canadian parent Velan by American Flowserve. Founded in 1921, Segalt was acquired by Velan in 2007.

“With its strong position in the nuclear, cryogenic, industrial and defense markets and its highly complementary product portfolio, the addition of Valen strengthens our diversification strategy,” said Scott Rowe, president of Flowserve.

Whalen is a strategic acquisition for Flowserve. The Canadian company owns US Navy and NATO ships as well as all US Navy nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. Segalt valves are capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2000°K.

“Not Saying Mass”

The French company could provide its technologies within the framework of Aukus to US-supplied Australian submarines. This geopolitical agreement, signed with Australia and the United Kingdom, appears to be a violation of the Submarine Treaty with France.

Revealed by Gallery, the project could be completed “by the end of the second quarter of 2023”. Flowseerve is promising that the $245 million transaction should theoretically be completed in all cash. contacted.

This measure would be a real blow to French sovereignty in matters of defense in general and deterrence in particular. But for the Ministry of Armed Forces, “the mass has not been told”. “In the next few weeks, a plan will be presented to protect French companies participating in nuclear deterrence from being taken over by foreign funds or companies”.