French Conglomerate Paprec Acquires a Majority Stake in the Austrian Company Brantner Green Solutions
A major change is underway in the European waste management and recycling industry: The French Paprec Group is acquiring an 80 percent stake in Brantner Green Solutions, the environmental and waste management division of the long-established Krems-based company Brantner.
French giant to acquire Austrian waste management giant Brantner Green Solutions. / Picture: © French and Austrian crossed flags by Vindobona
The remaining 20 percent of the shares will remain with the Brantner family, which will continue to actively support the transformation process. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to the usual regulatory approvals.
Expansion into Central and Eastern Europe
For the French recycling giant Paprec, the deal marks its entry into five new national markets: In addition to Austria, Brantner green solutions operates in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, and Serbia. With approximately 2,500 employees, 65 facilities and locations, and annual revenue of over 320 million euros, the company serves more than 28,000 municipal, industrial, and commercial customers.
For Paprec, this is the largest acquisition since its merger with the Coved Group in 2016. Paprec CEO Mathieu Petithuguenin described the agreement as a significant milestone in the group’s European growth strategy. Once the acquisition is complete, Paprec will employ approximately 26,000 people in 15 countries and generate annual revenue of more than 4.5 billion euros.
The Brantner Family Bets on a Long-Term Partner
The Brantner family has built the long-established company, founded in 1936, into a leading circular economy enterprise over several generations. After an exploratory process lasting nearly two years, the owner family unanimously decided to bring in the French partner.
“Together, we are not only securing the long-term development of our company but also laying the foundation to realize the enormous growth opportunities,” emphasizes Bernd Brantner, who will remain on board as vice chairman of the restructured company. The immense investments required for the future development of the environmental division can be implemented more efficiently with the new strategic partner.
The transaction applies exclusively to the environmental and waste management division. The Brantner logistic solutions and Brantner Real Estate business units remain 100 percent owned by the Brantner family and will continue to operate independently.