Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator and a valve in combination with an electromagnetic actuator are described. The actuator comprises an armature comprising a permanent magnet, two coils and two coil cores, each of which extends within a respective coil. The armature is moveable relative to the coils between first and second stable rest positions by passing a current through at least one of the coils. In each rest position, the armature is closer to one of the coil cores than the other of the coil cores and is spaced by a gap from the closer coil core. The actuator may be combined with a pinch valve for controlling the flow of a fluid through tubing or an inline valve.