KPMG acts as exclusive adviser on the sale of Marius Pedersen's Czech and Slovak operations

Paprec, a French waste management group, is acquiring the Czech and Slovak operations of Danish group Marius Pedersen, one of the leading waste management companies in Central Europe. An international KPMG team led by Igor Mesenský and Petr Slabý from KPMG's Prague office acted as the seller's exclusive financial, tax and legal adviser.

The sale process, launched in October last year, attracted strong interest from a number of leading Czech and international investors. Paprec was ultimately selected as the preferred bidder, and Marius Pedersen entered into exclusive negotiations with the company in September this year.

“The Marius Pedersen Foundation is committed to ensuring the long-term future of Marius Pedersen’s Czech and Slovak operations. We believe Paprec is the right partner for Marius Pedersen, both to build on the progress achieved in these markets over recent decades and to prepare the business for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century,” said Simon Hovgaard Clausen, CEO of Marius Pedersen A/S.

Exceptional breadth of services

In addition to M&A advisory services, KPMG experts delivered a broad range of tax, legal and transaction support services, including financial modelling and support in relation to potential bank co-financing, commercial, technical and environmental vendor due diligence, environmental insurance, and warranty and indemnity (W&I) insurance.

“Our client greatly appreciated having access to a team capable of covering most of the required services and efficiently managing external providers. The breadth of services we delivered also contributed to the swift execution of the transaction. The share purchase agreement was signed just four weeks after the preferred bidder had been selected,” said KPMG Partner Igor Mesenský, responsible for M&A in Central and Eastern Europe.

“This is the largest corporate transaction KPMG has advised on since the firm began operating in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The outcome confirms that both the Czech Republic and the wider Central European region remain attractive markets for sophisticated investors and continue to offer opportunities for further business growth,” added KPMG Associate Director Petr Slabý, who led the transaction process.

Company Profiles

Marius Pedersen employs approximately 4,500 people across the Czech Republic and Slovakia and operates 49 subsidiaries, 29 landfills and 15 sorting facilities. Across both countries, the company provides services to more than 2,300 municipalities and approximately 3.2 million residents.

Founded in 1994, Paprec is now one of Europe's leading waste management and green energy companies. The group operates in 15 countries and employs approximately 26,000 people. It supports local authorities and businesses in their transition to a circular economy and more sustainable use of resources.