Woodward Announces Agreement to Acquire Valve Research & Manufacturing
Rhea-AI Summary
Woodward (NASDAQ: WWD) agreed to acquire Jet Research Development, Inc., doing business as Valve Research & Manufacturing Company (VRM), a Florida maker of high-precision flow control valves for aerospace, including solenoid, check, and relief valves.
The deal transfers all VRM shares, manufacturing assets, and real estate; VRM’s ~130 employees will continue operations uninterrupted. The acquisition targets expanded content on commercial and defense OEM platforms, including Next Generation Single Aisle programs, and is expected to close in the first half of 2026.
Positive
- Adds precision electromagnetic valve product line including solenoid, check, and relief valves
- Acquires VRM’s manufacturing assets and associated real estate, enabling immediate operational control
- Brings approximately 130 employees with precision flow control expertise to Woodward
- Expected close in first half of 2026, providing a defined near-term timeline
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – WWD
On the day this news was published, WWD gained 2.85%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
WWD is down about 3.28% while key peers show mixed, smaller moves and momentum-screened aerospace names (AVAV, DRS, ESLT, KTOS) are all up, indicating a stock-specific move around this acquisition headline.
Previous Acquisition Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 21 | Aerospace acquisition | Positive | -1.7% | Completed Safran North American electromechanical actuation business acquisition. |
| Dec 20 | Aerospace acquisition | Positive | +0.3% | Signed agreement to acquire Safran’s electromechanical actuation business in North America. |
Past acquisition headlines for WWD have led to modest, mixed reactions, with an average move of about -0.66%, suggesting integrations are viewed as incremental rather than transformational.
Over the past year, Woodward has used acquisitions to deepen aerospace capabilities. In Dec 2024, it agreed to acquire Safran’s North American electromechanical actuation business, followed by deal completion in Jul 2025, expanding primary flight control technologies like HSTA systems for the A350. Today’s VRM acquisition agreement continues this strategy in precision flow control valves, further broadening aerospace controls content across commercial and defense platforms.
Historical Comparison
Prior acquisition announcements for WWD averaged a muted move of about -0.66%. The VRM agreement fits the ongoing strategy of adding specialized aerospace control capabilities.
WWD has progressed from acquiring Safran’s electromechanical actuation assets to adding VRM’s precision flow control valves, steadily increasing aerospace controls content across major aircraft platforms.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement details Woodward’s agreement to acquire Valve Research & Manufacturing, adding precision solenoid, check, and relief valves to its aerospace controls portfolio. The deal includes all outstanding shares, manufacturing assets, and real estate, with closing expected in the first half of 2026. It extends a multi-year strategy of targeted aerospace acquisitions. Investors may track closing progress, integration milestones, and any future disclosures on financial contribution or program wins tied to VRM’s technologies.
Key Terms
solenoid valves technical
check valves technical
relief valves technical
oem technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
~Acquisition Will Complement Woodward’s Aerospace Controls Portfolio~
FORT COLLINS, Colo., March 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ: WWD) today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Jet Research Development, Inc., doing business as Valve Research & Manufacturing Company (VRM), a Florida-based manufacturer of high-precision flow control valves for aerospace applications.
The acquisition adds precision electromagnetic valve solutions, including solenoid valves, check valves, and relief valves, to Woodward’s comprehensive aerospace controls capabilities. It also enables new growth opportunities across commercial and defense aerospace OEM applications, including Next Generation Single Aisle (NSA) programs. Solenoid technology for precision flow control plays a vital role in both current and future defense and commercial aircraft programs.
VRM’s approximately 130 employees bring deep expertise in precision flow control technologies, which complement Woodward’s world-class engineering, design, and manufacturing capabilities in fuel and motion control systems. VRM’s solutions are trusted by leading aerospace OEMs and applied across major commercial and defense aircraft programs.
“This acquisition is another example of how we are adding critical enablers to best serve our customers and grow our business,” said Shawn McLevige, President of Woodward’s Aerospace segment. “In the near term, it provides opportunities to optimize our supply chain and enhance our ability to deliver on robust market demand for our controls solutions. Over the long term, it supports our growth strategy with aerospace OEMs and end users, including increased content on next-generation aircraft. VRM’s foundation in innovation and commitment to engineering and product excellence make it an excellent fit for our aerospace business.”
“After more than 50 years as a family-owned business, we were thoughtful about choosing the right partner for Valve Research’s next chapter,” said Patricia Kilgallon, President of Valve Research. “We’ve worked with Woodward for decades and know the caliber of their organization. Their reputation for taking care of their people and their commitment to engineering excellence made them the right choice for our team, our customers, and the legacy my father, Paul L. Cruz, created.”
The transaction includes the acquisition of all outstanding shares of VRM, its manufacturing assets, and associated real estate. VRM will continue operating without interruption, and customer contracts and supplier relationships will remain unchanged. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026.
About Woodward
Woodward is the global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets. Our purpose is to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. Our innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, propulsion, and motion control systems perform in some of the world’s harshest environments. Woodward is a global company headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Visit our website at www.woodward.com.
About Valve Research & Manufacturing Company (VRM)
Valve Research & Manufacturing Company (VRM) is a Florida-based manufacturer of high-precision flow control valves, including check valves, relief valves, and solenoids for aerospace applications. Founded in 1974 in a 900-square-foot warehouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, VRM was built by Paul L. Cruz, who applied his mechanical engineering talent and entrepreneurial spirit to grow the company into a valued supplier to the aerospace industry over the past 50 years. VRM is recognized for its engineering expertise and long-standing relationships with leading aerospace OEMs.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to statements that relate to Woodward’s agreement to acquire VRM, the expected timing of closing, anticipated strategic and operational benefits of the transaction, and plans for continued operations and customer/supplier continuity at VRM following the closing. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: (1) the risk that the transaction may not close in the anticipated timeframe or at all; (2) the failure to satisfy closing conditions; (3) unexpected costs, delays, or other issues arising in connection with the transaction; (4) potential business disruption during the pendency of the transaction and subsequent integration, including impacts to relationships with customers or suppliers; (5) the risk that the integration of VRM into Woodward will be materially delayed, less successful, or more costly or difficult than expected; (6) the risk that the anticipated benefits from the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized; and other risk factors and risks described in Woodward’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, any subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as other risks described in Woodward’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and Woodward assumes no obligation to update such statements, except as required by applicable law.
| CONTACT: | Dan Provaznik Director, Investor Relations 970-498-3849 Dan.Provaznik@Woodward.com |
| Jennifer Regina Vice President, Communications 970-559-8840 | |
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bd9230d1-6ee1-45a3-948b-8f156324085d
FAQ
What is Woodward acquiring in the Valve Research & Manufacturing deal (WWD) announced March 9, 2026?
How will the VRM acquisition affect Woodward’s aerospace product portfolio (WWD)?
When is the Valve Research acquisition expected to close and will operations continue uninterrupted (WWD)?
How many employees does Valve Research bring to Woodward in the acquisition (WWD)?
Which aerospace programs could benefit from Woodward’s purchase of Valve Research (WWD)?
