Stockholm-based impact investment firm Summa Equity has acquired a majority stake in the Netherlands-based recycling systems developer Bollegraaf Group. This acquisition aligns with Summa’s commitment to fostering sustainability and a circular economy in Europe. It comes a year after Summa published a report, "Investing in a Circular and Waste-Free Europe," which highlighted the need for €230 billion in investments by 2040 to support the development of infrastructure and physical assets that would enable the transition to a circular economy across the continent.

Bertrand Camus, thematic partner at Summa Equity, emphasized the critical role Bollegraaf plays in the transition to sustainable industrial practices. "Bollegraaf is a key enabler in decarbonizing the materials system," he stated. "As a leader in the recycling industry, we are proud to collaborate with them as they continue evolving their innovative and circular solutions." The partnership represents a significant step forward in Summa’s resource efficiency strategy, aimed at optimizing the use of natural resources and reducing environmental impacts across various sectors.

According to a news release announcing the deal, Summa sees Bollegraaf as a strong fit within its portfolio, specifically within its focus on resource efficiency. Summa is leveraging its €2.3 billion Summa Equity Fund III to support the acquisition, reflecting the firm’s broader mission of addressing critical global challenges by investing in companies that offer long-term value. "This acquisition leverages Summa’s expertise in enhancing portfolio companies’ strategies to create sustainable value and tackle global issues," the firm added.

Bollegraaf is a well-established player in the recycling industry, providing solutions to waste management companies around the world. The company's core offerings include advanced sorting installations and machinery designed to optimize mechanical recycling. These innovations, according to Summa, help reduce the carbon footprints associated with recycling and material processing while increasing recycling rates. As such, Bollegraaf plays a crucial role in the transition toward more sustainable, low-carbon industrial practices, a key goal for both the company and Summa.

Summa Equity takes over Bollegraaf from Capital A Investment Partners, based in Amsterdam, which has held the controlling stake for the past nine years. The acquisition is currently pending regulatory approval and is expected to be finalized by October 2024.

Bollegraaf CEO Edmund Tenfelde expressed optimism about the partnership with Summa, saying, "Bollegraaf is a frontrunner in the recycling industry. We are confident that by partnering with Summa, we can accelerate our growth and further contribute to the transition toward a circular economy." He also highlighted the opportunities for innovation and expansion, noting that Summa’s industry advisor network would help uncover new ways to enhance Bollegraaf’s solutions. "Together with Summa, we can invest in advanced technologies and improve our offerings for clients through strategic acquisitions," Tenfelde added.

This partnership highlights Summa’s continued focus on fostering sustainability and resource efficiency while positioning Bollegraaf to expand its role in driving circular solutions and innovative recycling technologies.