United Felts Acquires BKP Berolina to Expand CIPP and UV Liner Portfolio

United Felts, a leading manufacturer of cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners and a division of Vortex Companies, which is backed by Quad-C Management, announces the acquisition of BKP Berolina Polyester GmbH & Co. KG, a German specialist in advanced composite and UV cured-in-place pipe (UV CIPP) liner technology. The deal, completed on April 13, 2026, expands United Felts’ global manufacturing footprint and enhances its product offerings in both standard felt and advanced composite liner systems.

Headquartered in Velten, Germany, BKP Berolina is recognized for its high-performance Berolina-Liner System and technical innovation in regulated infrastructure markets. Founded in 1959, BKP has built a strong reputation for engineering expertise and consistent product quality in trenchless rehabilitation solutions.

Mike Vellano, CEO of Vortex Companies, highlights the strategic importance of the acquisition: “BKP is one of the most respected names in UV CIPP liner technology, and this acquisition is an important step not only in the continued growth of United Felts, but for Vortex as a whole. BKP’s advanced composite and UV liner expertise meaningfully expands United Felts’ global platform, while also complementing Vortex’s recent investment in UV curing technology.”

The acquisition combines United Felts’ established manufacturing capabilities with BKP’s advanced composite and UV CIPP technologies, broadening the technical capabilities and product portfolio available to customers worldwide. Matt Timberlake, President of United Felts, states, “This acquisition significantly expands our ability to serve the market with one of the most comprehensive liner portfolios in the industry. By bringing together United Felts’ leadership and manufacturing expertise with BKP’s advanced composite and UV CIPP expertise, we are better positioned to support customers globally with proven solutions across a broader range of rehabilitation applications.”

BKP’s Group CEO, Thomas Christiansen, adds, “For nearly 30 years, BKP has been focused on advancing UV CIPP liner technology and supporting customers with a reliable, high-quality solution. Joining United Felts creates new opportunities for innovation, broader market reach, and continued investment in the products and services our customers rely on.”

The acquisition strengthens United Felts’ position as a global leader in both standard felt and advanced composite UV CIPP liners, enabling access to new European and regulated infrastructure markets through BKP’s established presence. It also supports cross-selling opportunities and expands the combined company’s product offerings.

From an operational perspective, the deal is expected to optimize production costs through consolidation of manufacturing and research and development facilities, streamline supply chains, and reduce overlapping administrative expenses. Integration of BKP’s technical expertise into United Felts’ product development pipeline is anticipated to accelerate innovation and improve delivery capabilities worldwide.

Industry experts note that this acquisition may accelerate consolidation in the trenchless rehabilitation market, increasing competitive pressure on rivals to enhance their UV and composite liner technologies. Competitors may respond with strategic partnerships, increased R&D investment, or pricing adjustments to maintain market share.

While the deal value was not disclosed, the acquisition represents a significant strategic move for United Felts and Vortex Companies, reinforcing their leadership in trenchless water and sewer infrastructure solutions. The companies plan to focus on smooth integration, regulatory compliance, and retention of key technical talent to preserve BKP’s innovation capabilities.

Looking ahead, United Felts aims to leverage the combined strengths to deliver comprehensive, high-performance CIPP solutions globally, supporting infrastructure rehabilitation projects with enhanced product quality and technological innovation.