Swedish industrial group buys UK automation firm, Denca Controls
14 May 2026 
The Industrial Automation group of the Swedish industrial conglomerate, Axel Johnson International, has bought the UK automation company, Denca Controls, based in Widnes, Cheshire. The acquisition marks Industrial Automation’s entry into the automation controls sector and strengthens its Axel Johnson’s position in the UK market, where it already owns Acorn Industrial Services, AxFlow, Certex Lifting, FIN Maintenance, Flow Technology Services and Flowfit. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Denca Controls, founded by Alan Brennan and John Talbot in 1995, employs more than 100 people serving customers in sectors including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and automotive. The company offers control panel design and assembly services, programming of PLCs, HMIs and Scada systems, as well as installation, commissioning and aftermarket support.
“The acquisition of Denca Controls is an exciting step,” says Anton Kullh, managing director of Johnson’s Industrial Automation group. “Denca has a strong reputation, deep technical competence and a customer-focused way of working that fits very well with our philosophy. Through this acquisition, we have strengthened our position in the UK market, while adding valuable capabilities within automation controls. We look forward to supporting Denca’s continued growth journey together with the whole team.”
Denca’s founders Alan Brennan and John Talbot, who have sold 100% of their shares to Axel Johnson, say that the acquisition “marks an exciting new chapter for Denca. With Axel Johnson International as our owner, we gain a partner that will support us in the next phase of the company’s growth journey, while remaining true to our way of working and our commitment to delivering value to customers”.
The acquisition underlines Industrial Automation’s aim to build a strong group of complementary automation businesses with high technical competence, strong local market positions and long-term growth potential.
The family-owned Axel Johnson International was founded in 1873. Its owner, Axel Johnson Group, employs more than 6,700 people and operates in 36 countries. The group is known for taking a long-term approach to the companies it acquires.
Axel Johnson International: LinkedIn
Denca Controls: LinkedIn
