Envirosuite set to acquire EMS Brüel & Kjær Holdings  

Australian environmental management technology firm Envirosuite Limited have announced it will acquire EMS Brüel & Kjær Holdings Pty Ltd (EMS), a noise and vibration monitoring technology company, combining to create a global leader in environmental technology.
 
EVS and EMS are both innovators globally in their respective fields with complimentary capabilities across air, odour, wastewater, noise and vibration management.
 
By joining forces, EVS and EMS will put Australia on the global stage in developing and delivering world-leading environmental monitoring solutions and technology.
 
“We are pleased to announce EVS and EMS have signed an agreement that will bring our companies together. The connection of two of Australia’s most successful environmental technology companies, with a track-record of over 30 years each, is a powerful proposition for the market, both here at home and internationally,” said EVS CEO Peter White.
 
The acquisition will see accelerated growth opportunities for both organisations, providing access to capital, a deeper product offering, geographical footprint and customer base, with synergies across operations and markets. The acquisition will also provide increased R&D investment and focus in the environmental monitoring sector.
 
The companies will bring together 280 staff operating in over 40 countries with continued plans to expand strategically using new combined solutions, enhancing and developing opportunities in growth markets including Envirosuite’s recent entry into China.
 
Mr White said the environmental technology sector was accelerating globally, with the Global Continuous Environmental Monitoring market forecast to grow by 9.4% annually and reach a market size of US$7.7 bn annually by 2021.
 
“The increase of urbanisation and high-density living, public community consultation, rising regulatory concerns and adoption of industry best practice is driving demand for continuous environment monitoring around the world. This acquisition allows us to continue to drive innovation through R&D and new solutions in a growing market.
 
“Australia has been at the forefront of environmental monitoring technology and we will now have the people and footprint to be able to establish a world-leading offering.”
 
To fund the acquisition EVS undertook a successful capital raise of $75 million on Wednesday 15 Jan and intends to raise a further $10 million through a share purchase plan in February. The combined entity will have an estimated revenue of AUD$55–60 million.
 
Macquarie Capital, a current investor in EMS, will become a major shareholder in EVS and will be offered a seat on the Board, maintaining a strategic interest in the business and sector. Additionally, Macquarie Capital will assist the company’s growth through a referral agreement utilising its global businesses in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure and real estate including airports, windfarms, construction sites and greenfield developments.
 
Macquarie Capitals’s investment in EVS is a specific example of Macquarie’s focus on technology applying to infrastructure and a recognition of its positive view of the global environmental monitoring sector.