Halma, the global group of life-saving technology companies, announces that it has agreed to acquire a company that addresses the global issue of wastewater leaks.
Sewertronics’ Sp. Z o.o. (Sewertronics) technology repairs and rehabilitates wastewater pipelines without the need to dig a trench, by inserting a lining into the pipe, which is then cured using its innovative and patented ultraviolet (UV) LED technology. This UV technology is more efficient and safer than other curing methods that use hot water or steam. Sewertronics is based in Rzeszów, Poland, and it has sales and service partners globally.
“Overcrowded cities, heavy downpours and climate change are all putting increasing pressure on wastewater infrastructure. Our technology helps to prevent wastewater pollution, while maximising efficiency and safety when repairing pipes and avoiding the need for disruptive and expensive excavation,” said César Gómez, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Sewertronics. “Sewertronics is highly aligned with Halma’s purpose of growing a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day. By joining Halma, we will benefit from its global network, resources and expertise, and from collaboration with other Halma companies, particularly those focused on solutions for the wastewater sector.”
Sewertronics’ UV LED technology includes the following benefits:
- Less impact on the environment: The UV method of repair reduces water use, energy consumption and Co2 emissions.
- Easier to store with a longer shelf-life: Liners cured by UV technology can be stored for up to six months whereas liners cured using hot water and steam methods require refrigeration and have a short shelf-life.
- Enhanced flexibility: the patented UV technology can be switched off during a curing operation, reducing time required to resolve issues.
Safer for operators: UV curing avoids the high temperatures and pressures in hot water and steam curing which create hazards to operators.
“Sewertronics is highly aligned to our purpose, helping to protect the environment by reducing blockages and leakage in wastewater pipes,” said Marc Ronchetti, Group Chief Executive of Halma. “We expect Sewertronics’ growth to be driven by the increasing need to repair ageing wastewater infrastructure and reduce wastewater leaks, and by and investment in innovative technologies which minimise the disruption to surrounding infrastructure and reduce the resources required to carry out repairs.”
The initial cash consideration for Sewertronics is €41m (approximately £36m) on a cash- and debt-free basis, to be funded from Halma’s existing facilities. Additional considerations of up to €18m (approximately £16m) may be payable in cash, based on the fulfilment of certain conditions. Completion of the acquisition is subject to certain closing conditions and is expected to occur by the end of May 2023.
Sewertronics’ unaudited revenue for the 12 months to 31 December 2022 was €8.1m (approximately £7.1m). Sewertronics will be a standalone company within Halma's Environmental & Analysis sector, and will collaborate with Minicam and Dancutter, existing Halma portfolio companies who operate in the same end-user markets.
The acquisition is part of Halma’s growth strategy to acquire businesses aligned with its purpose of growing a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone every day. Halma has invested more than £1 billion in acquisitions in the past 10 years.