The sale includes the Group’s Chemical Waste business in Burscough, Stevenage and Atherstone, De-Pack in Loughborough, Recyclite in Attleborough and Spill Control in Tamworth.
The acquisition will see an increase in the amount of hazardous waste that is collected and disposed by Biffa, while also growing the firm’s waste transfer station network.
PHS Group, one of the largest hazardous waste specialists in the UK, runs collection services for 2,000 customers through its Chemical Treatment arm.
The business includes three hazardous waste transfer facilities and specialist processing facilities for aerosols and fluorescent tubes. This will be ‘fully integrated’ into Biffa’s hazardous waste division over time.
The expansion of Biffa’s hazardous waste division will mean an increase in its operational platform and an improved hazardous waste footprint, according to the company.
Consolidation of facilities will also enable Biffa to carry out a greater range of processing technologies and services in-house.
Technology
Ian Wakelin, chief executive of Biffa, said: “We have long observed that the UK’s recycling and waste collection industry is fragmented and will consolidate as the technology becomes more sophisticated and the legislation more onerous. The winners will be those companies that position themselves at the forefront of this trend and we see Biffa as a natural consolidator in the industry. This acquisition is in line with that strategy.
“We are delighted to welcome the PHS team to Biffa and we look forward to working together with them to continue to develop and grow our UK-wide Hazardous Waste offering.”
Simon Woods, executive director of PHS Group, added: “Our chemical waste businesses are performing well and have reached the stage where they would benefit from being part of a waste business that can support their continued growth in this specific waste sub-sector.
Biffa will be able to provide that opportunity for further growth, helping the businesses involved to realise their full market potential. Biffa is a market leader in the waste sector and shares the same principles of customer service as PHS Group.”
PHS will work closely with Biffa to maintain service to all customers throughout the transition period.
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