The water treatment industry in DACH focuses on the purification and management of water resources. Companies involved range from large corporations specializing in industrial water solutions to innovative startups tackling wastewater challenges. Offerings include filtration technologies, treatment chemicals, and sustainable water management practices. With increasing awareness around water scarcity and environmental impacts, the sector is evolving to adopt advanced technologies like IoT and AI for efficient water use. Additionally, growing regulations are pushing businesses to prioritize sustainability, leading to robust investment interest and collaboration across the region.


The list features a mix of 15 investors in the DACH water treatment sector, comprising private equity firms, corporate entities, and venture capitalists. These investors, headquartered in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, range in size from small startups to large corporations with over 10,000 employees. Founded from 1802 to 2010, these firms collectively engaged in 108 transactions in 2024, demonstrating active interest in water treatment solutions and innovative technologies.


Top 15 Water Treatment Investors in DACH


1. Deg

  • Website: deginvest.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1962
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: deg

DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH is a public entity based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1962. As a development finance institution, DEG provides long-term financing and advisory services to private enterprises in developing and emerging markets, with a strong focus on sustainable development and job creation. DEG supports businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure, helping them access capital and expert guidance for growth. Notably, DEG has been involved in significant transactions related to the water sector, such as their partnership in investing in Eranove, a company engaged in electricity and water production. This involvement highlights DEG's commitment to supporting sustainable water solutions in developing regions. Additionally, DEG has participated in various debt financing transactions, indicating their active role in facilitating capital for projects that may include water treatment initiatives.


2. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE is a leading chemical distributor based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1874. The company connects chemical manufacturers and users, providing a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals along with value-added services. Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, and notably, water treatment. In 2023, Brenntag acquired a water treatment facility in Pomona, South Africa, aimed at enhancing its operations and improving blending and storage capacities for water treatment customers. This acquisition reflects Brenntag's strategic focus on expanding its capabilities in the water treatment sector. Additionally, while Brenntag is involved in various other chemical distribution activities, its commitment to water treatment through this acquisition positions it as a relevant investor in this industry.


3. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. Founded in 1847, Siemens operates globally with approximately 320,000 employees and generates significant revenue. The company has made notable investments in the water treatment sector, including the acquisition of Cambridge Water Technology in 2012, which enhanced its capabilities in water and wastewater treatment systems. Additionally, Siemens acquired USFilter Corp. in 2004 for $993 million, significantly bolstering its portfolio in the water supply and treatment industry, particularly in the U.S. market. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Siemens' commitment to enhancing its water treatment solutions and its relevance in the water treatment industry.


4. NORMA Group


NORMA Group is a corporate investor based in Maintal, Hesse, Germany, specializing in engineered joining technology. Founded in 2006, the company provides a wide range of products, including clamps, connectors, and fluid systems, catering to various industries, notably automotive and water management. In recent years, NORMA Group has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the water treatment sector. Notably, in April 2018, they acquired a water management company in India, further enhancing their portfolio in this area. Additionally, they acquired Kimplas Piping Systems, a leading Indian manufacturer of electrofusion and compression fittings, for €1 billion, aimed at strengthening their expertise in water management solutions. These transactions highlight NORMA Group's commitment to delivering innovative solutions that ensure safety and reliability in critical applications, particularly in water management.


5. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. With a global presence and a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. The company offers a range of services including testing, inspection, certification, and training, helping clients meet regulatory standards and enhance operational efficiency. Notably, SGS has made several strategic acquisitions that bolster its capabilities in environmental monitoring and testing, particularly in the context of water treatment. For example, the acquisition of EKO-PROJEKT LTD in 2009 enhanced SGS's environmental testing services in Central Europe. Additionally, the acquisition of Inter-Basic Resources in 2018, which specializes in testing and verification services for fluid filtration, further demonstrates SGS's commitment to improving its services related to water quality and filtration. These transactions highlight SGS's active role in the water treatment industry, making them a relevant investor in this sector.


6. Demeter-Partners


Demeter-Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments aimed at facilitating the energy and ecological transition, supporting innovative startups and small to mid-cap companies with funding and strategic guidance. Demeter-Partners manages a diverse portfolio that promotes sustainable development. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the water treatment context, such as the Series A funding of Le Floch Depollution, which raised $15,530,000 in 2008, focusing on environmental remediation. They also acquired VERGNET and Naldeo Group, both of which are involved in ecological solutions that may intersect with water treatment technologies. Their investments in companies like Qualisteo and Lactips further demonstrate their commitment to ecological innovation, which can include water treatment solutions.


7. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Techem, a German metering company, for €4.6 billion, which plays a crucial role in water management and efficiency. Additionally, their investment in Grupo Gestcompost, a biogas company, highlights their focus on sustainable solutions that can contribute to water treatment through waste management practices. These transactions reflect Partners Group's broader commitment to investing in sectors that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.


8. Georg Fischer

  • Website: georgfischer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1802
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: georg-fischer

Georg Fischer Ltd, founded in 1802 and based in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is a manufacturing company that specializes in providing innovative solutions across various sectors, including piping systems, building flow solutions, casting, and machining. The company serves a diverse clientele, including municipalities and industries such as automotive and aerospace, with a strong focus on efficiency and sustainability. Notably, Georg Fischer has made strategic acquisitions and investments that enhance its role in the water treatment industry. For instance, the acquisition of Alfa Plastics Inc. transformed it into Georg Fischer Piping Systems Ltd, significantly bolstering its capabilities in managing piping systems in Canada. Additionally, their acquisition of Central Plastics and Global Supply Company further solidifies their position in the piping sector. Their investment in Urecon and participation in funding rounds for Oxford Flow demonstrate their commitment to advancing technologies that can improve water management and treatment solutions.


9. Sulzer

  • Website: sulzer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Winterthur, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1834
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: sulzer

Sulzer Ltd. is an industrial engineering and manufacturing company based in Winterthur, Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 1834. The company specializes in fluid engineering solutions, providing a wide range of products and services, including pumps, compressors, and aeration systems. Sulzer serves various sectors, notably water treatment, oil and gas, and power generation, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability to enhance operational efficiency. Notably, Sulzer has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the water treatment market, including the acquisition of JWC Environmental in December 2017 for $215 million, which aimed to enhance its wastewater treatment offerings and expand JWC's market presence. Additionally, in January 2021, Sulzer acquired Nordic Water Products for SEK 1.2 billion (€119 million), further strengthening its portfolio in the water treatment sector. These transactions highlight Sulzer's commitment to expanding its capabilities and market presence in water treatment solutions.


10. Basf

  • Website: basf.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 1865
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF SE is a multinational chemical manufacturer based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, founded in 1865. The company provides a wide range of products and solutions across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and construction, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. In the context of water treatment, BASF has made significant strides, particularly through its acquisition of inge watertechnologies AG in 2011, which specializes in ultrafiltration technology. This acquisition allowed BASF to enhance its position in the growing water treatment market, showcasing its commitment to addressing environmental challenges and improving operational efficiency in water management. Additionally, BASF's diverse portfolio and strategic investments reflect its broader commitment to sustainability across multiple sectors.


11. Verve Ventures

  • Website: verve.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their investment focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Puraffinity, a startup dedicated to PFAS removal, raising significant amounts in Series A funding. This involvement highlights their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in water treatment, particularly in addressing contaminants that affect water quality. Additionally, their engagement in other climate tech initiatives, such as Neustark and Ecorobotix, further demonstrates their alignment with sustainability and environmental technology, which often intersects with water treatment challenges.


12. eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS


eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies, particularly in sectors such as cleantech, software, and cybersecurity. eCAPITAL provides early to growth stage funding and strategic support to startups, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth. Among their notable transactions, eCAPITAL has invested in CNM Technologies, which has raised funds across multiple rounds, and Evodos, which is involved in water treatment technologies. Most significantly, their investment in Subitec GmbH, a manufacturer of fully automated algae photobioreactors, highlights their commitment to the cleantech sector, specifically in water treatment applications. This investment aims to enhance bioreactor technology for international markets and further R&D in water treatment solutions.


13. wienerberger

  • Website: wienerberger.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 1819
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: wienerberger

Wienerberger AG is a leading construction materials manufacturer based in Vienna, Austria, specializing in bricks, roof tiles, and plastic pipes. Founded in 1819, the company serves construction businesses and contractors by providing innovative and sustainable building solutions. With a strong focus on ecological practices, Wienerberger aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of construction projects worldwide. In recent years, Wienerberger has expanded its portfolio to include water management solutions, highlighted by its acquisition of GrainPlastics, a drainage specialist, in June 2024, which aims to enhance sustainable water management and support the company's sustainability goals. Additionally, the acquisition of Wideco Sweden AB in April 2023, a company specializing in energy and water management solutions, further underscores Wienerberger's commitment to integrating water treatment and management into its offerings, thereby enhancing its Smart Solution portfolio.


14. BASF Venture Capital

  • Website: basf.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF Venture Capital, founded in 2001 and based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF, a leading chemical manufacturer. The firm invests in innovative startups across various industries, including automotive, construction, and agriculture, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and addressing environmental challenges. Notable transactions include their participation in the Series A funding for pH7 Technologies, which focuses on water quality management, and multiple investments in Ecorobotix, a company developing smart agricultural solutions that may indirectly contribute to water efficiency in farming practices. Their commitment to innovation positions them as a potential player in the water treatment sector, particularly through technologies that enhance sustainability and resource management.


15. Nestlé

  • Website: nestle.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. In recent years, Nestlé has made strategic acquisitions in the water sector to bolster its position in the market. Notably, the company acquired Princes Gate Spring Water in June 2018 to strengthen its water division in the UK. Additionally, in September 2007, Nestlé acquired Henniez, further expanding its bottled water offerings. Most recently, in March 2021, Nestlé acquired Essentia Water, a leading alkaline water brand, as part of its strategy to enhance its premium beverage portfolio and respond to the growing demand for functional water products. These transactions highlight Nestlé's active role in the water treatment industry, particularly in the bottled water segment.



Water Treatment Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
DegNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany501-1000196217
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
NORMA GroupMaintal, Hesse, Germany5001-1000020060
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
Demeter-PartnersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020070
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Georg FischerSchaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland10001+18020
SulzerWinterthur, Zurich, Switzerland10001+18340
BasfLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+18651
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5019992
wienerbergerVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+18192
BASF Venture CapitalLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+20013
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662


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