Séché Environnement Group has acquired 100% of all issued shares of Interwaste Holdings Limited which has been delisted from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

The acquisition will see Séché Environnement and Interwaste combining their expertise to develop new environmental and waste management solutions in the Southern African region.

Commenting on the deal, Alan Willcocks, CEO of Interwaste, says the two companies share one culture and one philosophy.

“I’m sure we will work well together. Just like Interwaste, Séché Environnement is a family-owned business built on strong values: respect for its employees, a focus on transparency, and the importance of promoting sustainable growth.

“’Séché Environnement stands out for its capacity to provide high-level services to its clients, particularly for treating complex hazardous waste that requires cutting-edge technology,” he explains.

A fitting acquisition

The French environmental specialist first announced its plan to acquire Interwaste on November 2, 2018. After Interwaste shareholders gave their virtually unanimous approval on January 9, 2019, the South African competition authorities approved the deal, which was finalised on March 4, 2019 with the transfer of 100% of the shares to Séché Environnement, and Interwaste’s delisting from the JSE.

This acquisition fits in with Séché’s strategy to increase its presence in the new international waste management markets, particularly in the emerging economies.

The Group aims to make the most of their strong growth potential driven by very favourable demographic, economic, environmental, and regulatory trends. Séché Environnement currently operates in 15 countries with nearly 2400 employees, mostly in Europe and South America.

Diversifying

“Each of the 15 countries in which we are currently operating has its own regulatory approach. We are well aware of our social responsibility, and we will fully support Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) in South Africa. Séché intends to adhere to the B-BBEE principles, thus doing its part to promote equality in South Africa,” notes Maxime and Guillaume Séché, sons of Joël Séché, founder and CEO of Séché Environnement.

Séché Environnement’s ambition is to further the development of Interwaste and the diversification of its activities with the objective of protecting the populations and the environment in South Africa.

“It is gratifying to welcome Interwaste into the Group. It will be a growth platform for Séché Environnement throughout Southern African and beyond,” adds Joël Séché.