Investment firm Summa Equity supports an air technology systems expert company
Schulz & Berger Luft-und Verfahrenstechnik (S&B), a German company specializing in air sorting, dedusting, and ventilation systems, has been acquired by Swedish impact investor Summa Equity. The investment was made through Summa Equity Fund III, a €2.3bn growth and buyout focused fund.
S&B, headquartered in Altenburg, Germany, plays a crucial role in the waste management and recycling industry. They design, manufacture, install, and service advanced air sorting, dedusting, and ventilation systems that are integral to waste sorting processes and other industrial applications. Their product range includes air classifiers, dust extraction systems, activated carbon filters, and air piping systems, notably for composting plants. S&B has a strong presence in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and generated around €30 million in revenue in 2024, employing about 160 staff.
The acquisition of S&B expands Summa Equity's capabilities in the recycling and sorting industry. S&B's complementary capabilities with Bollegraaf Recycling Solutions, another company under Summa Equity's ownership, strengthen Summa Equity's position in waste sorting and recycling innovation.
Bollegraaf Recycling Solutions, a globally recognized provider of turnkey sorting and recycling system solutions, has a strong footprint across Europe and North America. Their expertise lies in comprehensive sorting systems for all major waste streams, with a high share of in-house manufactured products and engineering capabilities. Bollegraaf’s solutions include household waste sorting equipment and large-scale turnkey recycling plants.
Together, as part of Global Circular Solutions, the holding company focused on the circular economy created by Summa Equity, S&B and Bollegraaf combine their complementary technological strengths and geographic footprints. S&B enhances the group’s offering by supplying specialized air technology systems crucial for efficient separation in sorting lines, while Bollegraaf delivers the broader turnkey sorting systems and related engineering. This synergy expands their product range, geographic reach, and innovation potential in circular economy technologies, enabling them to accelerate growth and address more comprehensive recycling challenges for their customers.
S&B's air technology systems, such as air classifiers and dust extraction systems, are not restricted to servicing Bollegraaf. They can sell their products to competitors as well. Dust extraction systems, for instance, can be used in various industries to minimize health risks, machine wear and tear, and environmental impacts. Air classifiers are used in municipal recycling facilities to separate plastic, paper, glass, and other fractions based on their density and aerodynamic properties.
In addition to their role in the waste management and recycling industry, S&B also offers ventilation systems for industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. These ventilation systems contribute to a healthier and more energy-efficient indoor environment.
With the acquisition of S&B, Summa Equity's Article 9 fund, which focuses on sustainable food, energy transition, and tech-enabled resilience, continues to demonstrate its commitment to driving positive change and innovation in the circular economy.
[1] Schulz & Berger Luft-und Verfahrenstechnik (S&B). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.schulz-berger.de/
[2] Bollegraaf Recycling Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bollegraaf.com/
[3] Global Circular Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.globalcircularsolutions.com/
- The fusion of S&B's specialized air technology systems with Summa Equity's Article 9 fund will accelerate growth and innovation in the energy transition sector, particularly in regards to the circular economy.
- The technologies offered by S&B, such as air classifiers and ventilation systems, can be utilized in various industries, including energy, contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient business environment.
- With the strategic acquisition of S&B, Summa Equity's expansion in the energy transition sector will encompass both the waste management and recycling industry, as well as the broader industrial sector, bolstering their capacity to deliver sophisticated solutions that drive the energy transition and support the global circular economy.
