听Impact investment firm Summa Equity has acquired a majority stake in the global leader of turnkey recycling solutions, the Bollegraaf Group. 听The acquisition of Bollegraaf happens about a year after Summa presented their report 鈥淚nvesting in a circular and waste-free Europe鈥�. The report identified how a EUR 230bn investment is needed by 2040 for new physical assets and infrastructure to enable the transition to a circular European economy.听
Bertrand Camus, Thematic Partner at Summa commented: 鈥淏ollegraaf is a key enabler in decarbonizing the materials system. As a leader in the recycling industry, we鈥檙e proud to be working with them to continue the evolution of their innovative and circular solutions.鈥�听
Bollegraaf has a strong impact profile through actively contributing to the EU taxonomy. Summa sees that Bollegraaf fits well in their resource efficiency theme. Optimizing the use of natural resources is one of the spearheads of Summa鈥檚 strategy and in this challenge they will from now on join forces with Bollegraaf. Investing from its EUR 2.3bn Summa Equity Fund III, this acquisition leverages Summa鈥檚 expertise in enhancing portfolio companies’ strategies to create long-term value and address critical global issues.听
Over the last decades, Bollegraaf has grown into a total solution provider in the recycling industry. Bollegraaf provides waste management companies worldwide with state-of-the-art sorting installations and machinery. Innovations in advanced mechanical recycling are at the core of these high-end solutions. Bollegraaf’s technologies and solutions help reduce carbon footprints associated with material processing and recycling and increase recycling rates. It therefore plays a crucial role in the transition towards more sustainable and low-carbon industrial practices.听
Edmund Tenfelde, CEO of Bollegraaf commented:听鈥淏ollegraaf is a frontrunner in the recycling industry. We are convinced that in partnership with Summa, Bollegraaf can accelerate further growth and drive the transition to a circular economy. Together with Summa, we can invest in innovation and advanced technologies and improve the solutions for our clients through strategic acquisitions. Summa’s industry advisor network is also playing a crucial role in uncovering new opportunities to enhance our efforts鈥�.听
The acquisition of Bollegraaf is being made within Summa鈥檚 Resource Efficiency investment theme and contributes positively to UN Sustainable Development Goal #11.6, #12.5 and #13.1. Summa takes over Bollegraaf from Capital A Investment Partners, who has been the controlling shareholder for the past 9 years. In this period, with Capital A鈥榮 support, the Bollegraaf Group experienced significant growth and innovative breakthrough, positioning the company as a key player in the recycling industry.听
The acquisition is pending regulatory approvals and is expected to close in October 2024.听