Europe: Derichebourg to acquire Scholz Recycling, expand footprint

• Adds over 100 recycling centres across Europe
  
  
• Scholz handles over 3 mnt of recyclable materials
  
  

France-based environmental services group Derichebourg has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Scholz Recycling, with the announcement made on 5 May. While financial details were not disclosed, the transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

The acquisition will significantly expand Derichebourg's operational footprint, adding over 100 recycling facilities across Central and Eastern Europe, where its presence has been limited. Scholz operates across Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, Austria, and Romania, handling around 3 mnt of recyclable materials annually, including ferrous scrap, non-ferrous metals, paper, cardboard, and plastics, supported by a workforce of more than 3,500 employees.

From a scrap market perspective, the move strengthens Derichebourg's access to upstream collection networks at a time when competition for raw material is intensifying. The integration of Scholz's established sourcing base is expected to improve control over scrap flows and enhance operational scale across Europe.

Scholz Recycling will continue to operate independently and remains financially stable, with its operations unaffected by challenges at its parent company, Chiho.

In 2025, Scholz reported a turnover of around Euro 1.6 billion. The acquisition is substantial in scale, with Scholz contributing nearly 50% of Derichebourg's recycling segment revenue. Derichebourg reported total revenue of Euro 3.3 billion in 2025, with net debt of around Euro 1.1 billion (approximately $1.29 billion), equivalent to 2.1 times EBITDA.

Outlook: The acquisition is likely to increase competition for scrap sourcing across Europe, particularly in Central and Eastern regions, while accelerating the shift toward more integrated and consolidated recycling networks.