Summa Equity acquires majority stake of Bollegraaf

Stockholm-based impact investment firm Summa Equity has acquired a majority stake in Netherlands-based recycling systems developer the Bollegraaf Group.

The move comes a year after Summa presented a report titled “Investing in a circular and waste-free Europe,” which claimed a 230 billion euro investment is needed by 2040 for new physical assets and infrastructure to enable the transition to a circular European economy.

“Bollegraaf is a key enabler in decarbonizing the materials system,” says Bertrand Camus, thematic partner at Summa. “As a leader in the recycling industry, we’re proud to be working with them to continue the evolution of their innovative and circular solutions.”

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In a news release announcing the acquisition, Summa says Bollegraaf fits well in its resource efficiency theme.

“Optimizing the use of natural resources is one of the spearheads of Summa’s strategy, and in this challenge, they will from now on join forces with Bollegraaff,” Summa continues, noting that it is investing from its 2.3 billion euro Summa Equity Fund III. “This acquisition leverages Summa’s expertise in enhancing portfolio companies’ strategies to create long-term value and address critical global issues.”

Bollegraaf provides recycling solutions to waste management companies worldwide, including sorting installations and machinery, and the company says advanced mechanical recycling innovations are at the core of these solutions.

“Bollegraaf’s technologies and solutions help reduce carbon footprints associated with material processing and recycling and increase recycling rates,” Summa says. “It therefore plays a crucial role in the transition toward more sustainable and low-carbon industrial practices.”

Summa takes over Bollegraaf from Amsterdam-based Capital A Investment Partners, which has been the controlling shareholder for the past nine years. The acquisition is pending regulatory approval and is expected to close in October.

“Bollegraaf is a frontrunner in the recycling industry,” Bollegraaf CEO Edmund Tenfelde says. “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.”