Page 79 - MELLBY_MAGASIN_2022_WEB_EN
P. 79
FMG CIRCULAR INVEST
An investment initiative
to promote innovation in
water treatment
FMG Circular Invest is an investment initiative launched by Feralco and
Mellby Gård. With Feralco’s knowledge of water treatment and Mellby
Gård’s long-term and active ownership, the aim of the initiative is to invest
in and assist innovative companies that provide solutions linked to the
global drinking water shortage.
Following discussions on how to leverage Feralco’s vast the need for dilution. This innovation not only benefits the water
knowledge of water treatment technology, Feralco and Mellby treatment sector, but also the food and beverage industry.
Gård created the FMG Circular Invest investment initiative.
The aim of the initiative is to invest at an early stage in companies “The aim of FMG Circular Invest is to identify and support
offering various innovations related to water treatment solutions, innovations that can contribute in one way or another to cleaner
supporting and developing them on their journey. It’s no secret that water in the world,” says Mikael Helmerson, Vice CEO of Mellby Gård.
the availability of clean drinking water is one of the most pressing “We’re convinced that our investments and our future collaboration
global challenges of modern times. Feralco and Mellby Gård’s goal is with I-Phyc and Spec-Imaging will help ensure this.”
for FMG Circular Invest to help scale up these critical solutions and
bring them to market at a faster pace. WANTS TO SUPPLY THE WORLD WITH CLEAN WATER
In addition to adding value to the existing portfolio of companies,
“Feralco has knowledge of the market, a large network and FMG Circular Invest believes they can build additional pride and
experience in accelerating ideas in the industry, as well as regulatory strength in their own organizations through this type of investment.
and M&A experience,” says Ludovic Huitorel, CEO of Feralco. “At the In a way, everyone becomes part of a joint sustainability mission – to
same time, Mellby Gård can provide active and long-term ownership provide the world with clean water.
and support the entrepreneurial spirit of each company. With this
combination, we believe we’re the optimum investor for companies FMG Circular Invest now looks forward to being part of further
wishing to take the next step in the water treatment market.” success stories and helping more companies in the water treatment
sector and circular economy to grow and prosper. With an uncertain
FLYING START THROUGH TWO ACQUISITIONS market situation ahead, it hopes to make further investments at more
FMG Circular Invest acquired stakes in two companies in 2022. Both reasonable prices.
companies see great value in having Feralco and Mellby Gård as
strategic investors, as they provide much more than just financial “Some of the young companies of interest to us are currently quite
support. Other investors with stakes in the two companies also speak optimistically valued while not being profitable,” says Stephen
of the advantages in making investments together – namely creating Childs, CEO of Feralco. “For us to invest, they must have a clear
synergies and added value. The goal of FMG Circular Invest is not only business model and a path to profitability. We can see that the water
to invest but to also be an industrial partner and provide continuous treatment sector will continue to consolidate due to this turbulent
support. market situation.”
The first investment made by FMG Circular Invest was in the British VISION OF BECOMING A WORLD LEADER
company I-Phyc. The company offers a solution that complements In the coming year, FMG Circular Invest aims to make between
Feralco’s water treatment offering. I-Phyc has developed a natural, two and three investments in companies that are helping ensure a
patented, carbon-negative and environmentally sustainable solution more sustainable world through water treatment solutions and the
for wastewater treatment. The treatment takes place using naturally circular economy. At the same time, they look forward to helping the
occurring algae that are grown and absorb nutrients and pollutants existing companies in their portfolio develop and grow by identifying
from the water. synergies between them.
The second investment was in Spec-Imaging, based in Sweden. “The long-term vision of FMG Circular Invest is to become the
This start-up bases its business concept on many years of research leading investment company in water treatment. At the same
into optical measurement methods for liquids. The method that time, we’re contributing to the green transition, circular economy
Spec-Imaging now has is patented and can help various organizations and helping young entrepreneurs scale up their innovative ideas,”
measure concentration, color and turbidity in liquids – without concludes Mikael Helmerson.
79
