Halma expands into trenchless drilling technology to support the energy transition
26 August 2025
Halma plc, the global group of life-saving technology companies, today announces it has acquired Brownline, a Netherlands-based provider of smart, trenchless underground drilling technology.
Brownline’s innovative solutions help construction teams drill underground with incredible accuracy—without needing to dig up roads or use bulky equipment such as above-ground beacons. This makes it less environmentally disruptive, easier and faster to install critical infrastructure in densely populated urban environments such as power cables and fibre internet lines - key enablers of the global energy transition. Its advanced steering and locating services are already helping cities prepare for the future, and now, with Halma’s support, they will be able to grow even faster.
Bertjan Molenaar, Founder and CEO of Brownline said: “I would like to thank Mentha for their partnership over the last seven years during which we made great progress in further professionalising the company and growing our business. Joining Halma marks an exciting new chapter for Brownline. We’ve built our reputation on precision, innovation, and reliability—values that align closely with Halma’s purpose and long-term vision. Its decentralised model gives us the autonomy to continue doing what we do best, while benefiting from the strength of a global group committed to solving critical infrastructure challenges.”
The acquisition represents a strategic expansion into infrastructure resilience and energy transition technologies for Halma’s Environmental & Analysis sector. Brownline’s consistent growth—driven by long-term demand for underground electrification and its unique data-led service model—aligns with Halma’s purpose of growing a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.
Marc Ronchetti, Group Chief Executive of Halma said: “Brownline’s technology is a game-changer for safely installing underground infrastructure. Its ability to deliver pinpoint accuracy without surface disruption is increasingly vital as cities continue to expand and electrification accelerates. Brownline is a strong strategic fit with Halma’s purpose, supporting the global energy transition. We’re proud to welcome the company to Halma and look forward to supporting its continued growth and success.”
The upfront consideration for Brownline is €150 million (approx. £129m) on a cash- and debt-free basis. The business will operate as a standalone company within the Halma Environmental & Analysis sector.
For further information, please contact:
Halma plc
Marc Ronchetti, Group Chief Executive +44 (0)1494 721111
Carole Cran, Group Chief Financial Officer
Charles King, Co-Head of Investor Relations +44 (0) 7776 685948
Melanie Horton, Co-Head of Investor Relations +44 (0) 7554 013 396
MHP Communications
Oliver Hughes / Rachel Farrington / Ollie Hoare +44 (0)7817 458 804
A copy of this announcement, together with other information about Halma, is available at www.halma.com.
About Halma
Halma is a global group of life-saving technology companies, focused on growing a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.
Its purpose defines the three broad market areas where it operates:
- Safety – Protecting the safety of people and assets as populations grow and the demand on infrastructure increases.
- Environment – Addressing the impacts of climate change, pollution and waste, protecting life-critical resources and supporting scientific research.
- Health – Meeting the increasing demand for better healthcare as chronic illness rises, driven by growing and ageing populations and lifestyle changes.
It employs over 9,000 people in more than 20 countries, with major operations in the UK, Mainland Europe, the USA and Asia Pacific. Halma is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LON: HLMA) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index.
Halma has been named as one of Britain’s Most Admired Companies for the past six years.
For more information see www.halma.com
Further information on Brownline
Brownline specialises in advanced steering and locating technology for Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). Its proprietary systems enable highly accurate underground drilling without surface disruption, supporting the installation of critical infrastructure such as power cables, water pipelines and fibre optic networks. With operations across Europe and North America, Brownline serves HDD contractors globally and plays a key role in enabling safer, more efficient infrastructure development in urban and environmentally sensitive areas.
For more information see www.drillguide.com
About Mentha
Mentha is an independent private equity firm active in the lower middle market in the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark. Mentha invests in established, medium-sized and profitable companies with clear growth opportunities. These include organic growth, international expansion and buy-and-build. Mentha is looking for an active collaboration with the companies based on enterprise, growth acceleration and transformation, reinforced by a focus on the human factor and sustainability.
For more information www.mentha.eu
