Express & Star

Red Industries acquires ERG

Red Industries, which provides extensive hazardous and non-hazardous waste management services to businesses across the UK, has bought Brownhills-based waste management company Environmental Resource Group (ERG).

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Adam Share (Red), left, and Aron James (ERG)

Red Industries,based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, started as hazardous waste specialists in 2006 and has since grown significantly, both organically and through acquisition, to provide a vast range of hazardous and non-hazardous waste solutions to customers across the UK.

It operates a treatment and transfer station, as well as a non-hazardous landfill which was acquired in 2016.

The acquisition of ERG is a further strategic step by Red in expanding and strengthening their position as one of the UK’s leading independent waste management businesses, with future aspirations of growth.

It includes ERG’s waste facilities in Brownhills and Dudley, laboratory, offices, employees, and customer base.

The acquisition strengthens Red’s position in the market place - broadening Red Industries’ customer reach and service offering, adding additional waste management facilities, a larger client support team, and fleet of bespoke vehicles. ERG will benefit from Red’s market-leading operations, significant processing capability and highly experienced client service platform. ERG, which encompasses brands such as Envirosol and Chemtech, will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary under the branding of the Red Group.

Adam Share, chief executive and founder of Red Industries, said: “We are proud to incorporate ERG into our business. It was clear from ongoing discussions that our companies are well matched and aligned in terms of strategy, ethos, and focus for the future. The acquisition of ERG complements Red’s existing waste management activities and secures more regional and national coverage in line with our growth strategy.”

A £39m funding package, from BGF, the UK’s most active investor in growing businesses, and HSBC, has initially supported Red Industries with the acquisition of ERG. Following an introduction by BGF, Alex Sleeth will join Red Industries as Non-Executive Chairman, bringing 19 years’ experience operating at Board Level across a wide range of business services sectors. Adam Share said: “The acquisition of ERG will help us develop the platform to grow the business even further, and we’re delighted to have BGF on board as partner through this next stage of growth.”

Aaron Baker, an investor at BGF who joins the board of Red Industries, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Red at such an exciting stage of their journey. Adam and the team have built an exceptional business over the last few years, and ERG is a great addition to the group. We’re looking forward to help Red realise their ambitious growth plans over the next few years and continue to innovate in finding sustainable solutions for their clients.”

Red Industriessecured a £39m funding package from BGF, the UK’s most active investor in growing businesses, and HSBC to initially support the acquisition of ERG

Mr Share said: “Over the last 12 years, we’ve significantly grown and expanded Red Industries to become a market leader in the waste management sector.

“The acquisition of ERG will help us develop the platform to grow the business even further, and we’re delighted to have BGF on board as partner through this next stage of growth.”

Aaron Baker, an investor at BGF who joins the board of Red Industries, comments: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Red at such an exciting stage of their journey. Adam and the team have built an exceptional business over the last few years, and ERG is a great addition to the group. We’re looking forward to help Red realise their ambitious growth plans over the next few years and continue to innovate in finding sustainable solutions for their clients.”

The investment was led for BGF by Aaron Baker, Olly Cutting, Stephen Murray and Gurinder Sunner.