EQT, supported by Saur's management, enters exclusive negotiations with PGGM and DIF CAPITAL PARTNERS to sell 50% of its stake in Saur

Saur is pleased to announce that EQT has entered exclusive negotiations with PGGM and DIF Capital Partners for the sale of 50% of its current indirect stake in the capital of Holding d'Infrastructures des Métiers de l'Environnement ("HIME"), Saur's holding company. The transaction is supported by Saur's management and remains subject to the obtaining of applicable regulatory approvals.

Thanks to EQT's unwavering support, Saur has become a successful and international group, operating in 20 countries with one of the largest technological portfolios in the market. The group's ambition is clear: to become the champion of water transition by 2030, accelerating its growth in France, boosting its international development, and capitalizing on its successful industrial water business.

Driven by the strategic vision of its CEO Patrick Blethon, and carried with the unfailing commitment of its employees, Saur has achieved strong organic growth in recent years. The Group has centered its strategy around its corporate purpose, has developed successfully through a buy & build strategy (15 acquisitions made over the past 4 years) and a deep transformation based on digital and technological innovation.

Saur is now looking forward to achieving its purpose: to give back to water the value it deserves. After a 4-year transformation, the Group intends to fully focus on building new models for a sustainable management of water services and resources preservation for all (consumers, local authorities, industrialists, etc.). By welcoming new investors onboard, Saur can achieve its goal to be the partner of choice for municipalities and industries throughout the world.

To secure long-term stability and additional capacity for investments in Saur’s long-term growth, EQT Infrastructure has entered exclusive negotiations with PGGM and DIF Capital Partners to sell 50% of its current indirect stake in the capital of HIME, Saur's holding company. EQT will remain a key shareholder for Saur to continue supporting the value creation over the years to come.

PGGM and DIF Capital Partners, respectively one of the largest pension funds in the Netherlands and a fund specialized in infrastructure, share Saur's values and vision, and will commit, if the transaction is completed, to support Saur's development over the long term to accelerate its growth and development.

Patrick Blethon, Executive Chairman of the Saur Group, says: « EQT has been and will continue to be our partner in the construction and execution of the group's transformation and growth acceleration strategy, mobilizing its platform to serve our corporate project. Welcoming PGGM and DIF Capital Partners onboard alongside EQT represents a great opportunity for Saur to develop faster and stronger. This new composition of Saur’s capital would allow the Group to become the champion of the water transition in the years to come, for the benefit of all of its customers, employees and other stakeholders.Beyond all the resources that the platformes can bring to us, we share with EQT, PGGM and DIF values and a common vision essential to achieve together our ambition, to become the leader of the water transition by 2030 »

Matthias Fackler, Partner within EQT Infrastructure’s Advisory Team, said, « In times of rising concerns around water scarcity, Saur is a critical pillar in the societies it operates in, providing local municipalities and their citizens with clean drinking water and efficient wastewater treatment. EQT Infrastructure is proud of Saur’s development so far and we now look forward to entering its next phase of growth journey together with our new partners PGGM and DIF. »