CINCINNATI — McJunkin Corp. hopes to strengthen its Midwest presence by acquiring Valvax Corp., a large valve products distributor and fabricator.

McJunkin recently signed a letter of intent to acquire Cincinnati-based Valvax, which has locations in Columbus, Ohio, Indianapolis and Evansville, Ind., Charleston, W. Va., and Pittsburgh. The acquisition is expected to be completed early this summer.

"Valvax is unparalleled in terms of reputation, service and technical capabilities, and they also cover a geography we felt we wanted to get into," said Scott Vuchetich, vice president of marketing at McJunkin.

"I'm thrilled to be able to add the Valvax team to McJunkin," said Gary Ittner, senior vice president of valve and specialty products, a McJunkin subsidiary. "Valvax is the recognized leader for valves, automation and specialty products in the markets they serve. This acquisition will solidify our ability to offer our customers a full range of solutions for these products."

Valvax prides itself on making "specials our standard," with a focus on the chemical process, food, pulp and paper, HVAC, pharmaceutical and power industries. The company specializes in engineered valves and resistoflex^TM, lined-pipe fabrication. Its major lines include actuators; ball, butterfly and plug valves; gate, globe, check and knife gate valves; and control valves.

Valvax president Joe Herzog called the move "an excellent strategic fit, combining McJunkin's core competencies with Valvax's strengths in engineered valves and valve automation. Together, we can provide a total solution for our customers."

The companies did not disclose terms or Valvax's sales volume. McJunkin plans to retain Valvax employees, Vuchetich said.

Vuchetich said the acquisition should help McJunkin, which did $830 million in sales in 2001, leverage its supplier relationships more effectively.