The acquisition, announced this week, sees Augean expand in the specialist and hazardous waste sector as FIS is a provider of hazardous waste management to blue-chip clients including government entities, local authorities and national and multi-national clients.
FIS is headquartered in Kirkby, Merseyside with sites in Berwick, Hull, Rugby, Honiton and Plymouth which include what is understood to be the UK’s only mercury reprocessing facility. It is also a specialist in the cleaning of energy from waste plants.
FIS was acquired in April 2017 in a Northedge Capital backed management buy-out, and since then has been developed by a team led by chief executive David Lusher. The sale to Augean saw FIS advised by Quercus Corporate Finance.
Augean itself has a range of UK waste treatment and disposal infrastructure servicing the energy from waste and biomass sectors as well as construction, nuclear and radioactive, processing and manufacturing, and the oil and gas sectors.
Footprint
The deal means that Augean will now have, the company said, a “larger geographical footprint of permitted infrastructure” involving 23 sites throughout England, Wales and Scotland.
In a statement Augean said that the acquisition of FIS has many elements that are “highly complementary to Augean’s operations. Both organisations bring a wealth of expertise in personnel, excellent assets, permits and provide a wide range of specialist services. Both companies are passionate about their people, health, safety and environmental compliance, and in providing excellent customer service.”
Expertise
John Rauch, Augean chief executive, said: “We are excited by this significant acquisition, and the further opportunities that it presents to enhance and expand our range of services. Both Augean and FIS have a wealth of expertise, high standards of operation and strong reputations for excellent customer service.
“Most importantly, we are pleased that FIS completely shares our strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental compliance, which are a cornerstone of our business. With these same objectives and values, we wholeheartedly welcome all our FIS colleagues into the Augean Group. I would like to thank our shareholders Ancala Partners and Fiera Infrastructure for their ongoing support and investment in the Augean Group.”
Over the last five years FIS has been on an incredible growth journey
David Lusher, FIS chief executive, commented: “Over the last five years FIS has been on an incredible growth journey with its own acquisition of three companies. I am incredibly proud of the FIS team and their clear focus on making us a better business for our customers, investors, employees, and the environment. It is important that the company we have built up together continues to flourish and grow. That ambition has culminated in becoming part of the Augean Group today.”
Quercus
A team from Quercus Corporate Finance led by Mark Whelan and Neil Giles advised the shareholders of FIS.
Mark Whelan, partner at Quercus, said: “On the back of continued UK investment in energy from waste plants, FIS has established itself as the leading independent supplier of critical EfW maintenance services in the UK. This, coupled with its broader suite of industrial services and its comprehensive hazardous waste collection, treatment and recovery capabilities, made this a compelling acquisition opportunity for Augean.”
Mr Whelan added: “There are significant operational opportunities across the two businesses, with each bringing unique capabilities to the table which will deliver an enhanced service offering for customers going forward. We are absolutely delighted to have worked with David Lusher and his exceptional management team”.
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