Aquatech Secures Major Investment from Cerberus to Enhance Process Technology Leadership

Aquatech, a leading company in water treatment and mineral processing, has recently announced a substantial growth investment from Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., an influential player in alternative investments. This partnership is aimed at bolstering Aquatech's position in the water and critical minerals sectors, both of which have been experiencing unprecedented growth and demand.

Among the recent highlights of Aquatech’s achievements is a groundbreaking 25-year operations contract for Stegra’s innovative green steel facility located in Sweden, which signifies a step forward in sustainable industrial practices. In addition, Aquatech has made strides in oil field water management with Saudi Aramco and has engaged in seawater desalination projects for one of the largest copper mining operations in Latin America. Furthermore, the company has achieved milestones in providing ultra-high purity water essential for semiconductor fabrication processes and has contributed to North America's largest lithium facility by delivering advanced process technology capable of producing a substantial amount of lithium carbonate.

Cerberus’s investment primarily comes from its Supply Chain and Strategic Opportunities platform, which focuses on alleviating supply chain issues tied to U.S. national security. The collaboration aims to foster innovation and improve infrastructure resilience, enhancing security for the U.S. and its allies. Aquatech plans to leverage this investment to expand geographically into key markets and invest in technologies that facilitate lithium production and membrane manufacturing. Additionally, the company intends to expand its mobile fleet and enhance digital service offerings.

In a statement regarding the partnership, Venkee Sharma, Executive Chairman of Aquatech, expressed that the collaboration with Cerberus enables Aquatech to cement its status as the premier platform for cutting-edge process technology. He emphasized the shared understanding of the pressing issues of water scarcity and the importance of securing critical minerals, affirming the company’s commitment to providing reliable, cost-effective solutions to industry challenges.

Michael Buchbinder, Managing Director at Cerberus, highlighted Aquatech’s extensive technical expertise and its history of resolving intricate challenges within water process technology. He pointed out that the company is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in high-growth sectors, bolstered by a rigorous focus on research and development that drives innovation in scalable, integrated customer solutions.

Financial advisement for this transaction was provided by BoA Securities, which acted as the exclusive placement agent for Aquatech. Legal counsel was offered by Saul Ewing LLP for Aquatech and Cooley LLP for Cerberus.

About Aquatech

Aquatech is dedicated to assisting a wide array of well-known companies in tackling complex issues related to water reuse and desalination, as well as managing minimal and zero liquid discharge alongside critical minerals processing. The company's technological leadership and innovative engineering solutions accelerate global efforts to combat water scarcity while ensuring the security of critical minerals. Aquatech's extensive research and development capabilities cover diverse areas, including membrane manufacturing and performance chemicals, contributing to a robust portfolio that spans decades of experience and successful project execution across more than 60 countries.

About Cerberus

Founded in 1992, Cerberus stands as a global leader in alternative investing, managing around $65 billion across various strategies including credit, real estate, and private equity. By investing across the capital structure, Cerberus capitalizes on its well-integrated platforms to enhance performance and generate long-term value for investors. The firm prides itself on a team that collaborates effectively across asset classes and global opportunities, aiming to deliver solid risk-adjusted returns.