Evoqua to sell carbon reactivation operations to Belgium firm

Pittsburgh-based Evoqua Water Technologies is selling its carbon reactivation and slurry operations to a European company that specializes in industrial mobile filtration.

The agreement with Desotec, headquartered in Belgium, includes the product line’s workforce and facilities in Darlington, Pennsylvania; Parker, Arizona; and Red Bluff, California.

The deal, scheduled to close before June 30, is expected to generate gross proceeds of about $100 million.

Carbon is often used in municipal and industrial applications to remove organic and inorganic contaminants from water sources.

Julie Santens, CEO of Desotech said the deal “marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Desotec as we continue on our mission to better protect the planet. This landmark investment is the first step as we embark on the rollout of our North American growth strategy and further expansion of our leading market position.”

Evoqua said the sale will allow the company to focus on its core service business, which includes carbon services and the sale of activated carbon.

“We are confident that the carbon reactivation and slurry business will thrive under Desotec’s leadership, and we look forward to working together as we provide activated carbon solutions to the marketplace,” said Ron Keating, Evoqua’s chief executive officer.

In January, Evoqua announced that it will be acquired by Xylem, Washington, D.C.-based company in a deal valued at about $7.5 billion.

Evoqua’s technology has been used in the life sciences, microelectronics, power and food and beverage sectors. It also has been used in the remediation of pollutants including “forever chemicals” called PFAS, which are industrial compounds that are used in products ranging from cookware to carpets which are associated with serious health conditions.