Private equity firm, Summa Equity, invests in a specialist company focusing on air technology systems
Summa Equity Acquires Schulz & Berger Luft-und Verfahrenstechnik (S&B), Boosting Growth in Waste Sorting and Recycling
Schulz & Berger Luft-und Verfahrenstechnik (S&B) and Bollegraaf Recycling Solutions, two companies with complementary capabilities in the waste sorting and recycling sector, are set to join forces. This move is expected to strengthen Summa Equity's position in waste sorting and recycling innovation.
S&B, a German company specializing in air sorting and dedusting systems, has been acquired by Swedish impact investor Summa Equity. The acquisition will see S&B become a sister company of Bollegraaf, a company acquired by Summa Equity last year, which designs and manufactures recycling and sorting systems.
The acquisition is expected to accelerate growth across key markets, particularly in the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region for S&B and broader European/North American markets for Bollegraaf.
Both companies have distinct yet complementary product portfolios. Bollegraaf specializes in turnkey recycling and sorting solutions, including household waste sorting equipment, while S&B focuses on air technology systems. Together, they cover a broader range of technologies important for efficient waste sorting.
Manufacturing expertise is another area of synergy. Both companies produce their own equipment, which fosters operational collaboration, shared R&D, and technology transfer opportunities.
The partnership under Summa Equity's holding company, Global Circular Solutions, facilitates an increase in market reach and product development. This collaboration will allow S&B to expand its geographic reach and Bollegraaf to enhance its product offerings.
The strengthened ecosystem capabilities of S&B and Bollegraaf will enable cross-selling potential and servicing a wider client base while maintaining operational independence. S&B designs, manufactures, installs, and services a range of air technology systems, including air classifiers and dust extraction systems.
As a product-oriented company, S&B isn't restricted to servicing Bollegraaf and can sell its products to competitors as well. S&B employs 160 full-time staff across its sites and affiliated entities, and in 2024, it is projected to generate €30m in revenue.
With the acquisition, S&B and Bollegraaf will expand their geographic reach and further their mission to minimize health risks, machine wear, and environmental impacts in various industries through their innovative waste sorting and recycling solutions.
[1] Source: Summa Equity press release, 2022
This investment in S&B was made through the €2.3bn Summa Equity Fund III, a growth and buyout focused fund. Summa Equity's other themes include sustainable food, energy transition, and tech-enabled resilience. The Article 9 fund's focus on sustainability aligns with S&B's mission to contribute to a circular economy.
- The acquisition of S&B by Summa Equity signifies a significant move towards blended finance, as the Article 9 fund invests in companies contributing to a circular economy, like S&B.
- The energy transition is set to gain momentum with the merger of S&B and Bollegraaf, as their combined waste sorting and recycling solutions promote sustainable practices and reduce environmental impacts.
- In the realm of environmental-science and technology, S&B, a specialist in air sorting and dedusting systems, and Bollegraaf, a manufacturer of recycling and sorting systems, aim to synergize their expertise for a more efficient waste management.
- The business collaboration between S&B and Bollegraaf, under Summa Equity's holding company, Global Circular Solutions, will provide opportunities for investing in research and development, particularly in the field of science and technology.
- The industry-wide implications of this partnership extend beyond waste sorting and recycling, as the developed technologies are poised to have a ripple effect on various sectors, including manufacturing and others, driving the transition towards a more sustainable business model.
