3i Group plc (“3i”) today announces that EC Waste, the leading vertically integrated provider of solid-waste services in Puerto Rico, has acquired ARB Inc. (“Andrés Reyes Burgos” or “ARB”), a specialised local provider of bespoke waste collection and environmental-management services.
The transaction marks a significant milestone for EC Waste as it continues to build scale and strengthen its capabilities in Puerto Rico. ARB enhances EC Waste’s technical capabilities, expands its geographic footprint and supports the acceleration of its digitalisation and sustainability agenda.
The acquisition expands EC Waste’s offering by integrating ARB’s operations across residential, commercial, and industrial non-hazardous solid waste services. The combined business will expand geographic coverage in traditionally underserved areas in Puerto Rico using real- time monitoring, intelligent-routing systems and web and mobile applications to enhance customer service.
Furthermore, operations will benefit from EC Waste’s comprehensive disposal network, providing Small and Medium Enterprises with more economical waste-management solutions while enhancing environmental compliance and improving public health in Puerto Rico.
Rob Collins, Managing Partner and Head of North American Infrastructure, 3i, commented:
“We are very pleased to continue to invest in the environmental-services sector in Puerto Rico. We believe this acquisition will continue EC Waste’s excellent performance in serving both businesses on the island and the public.”
Mark Johnson, CEO, EC Waste, commented:
“This integration strengthens our operational capacity, expands our coverage and allows EC Waste the opportunity to offer more efficient and technological services to all of Puerto Rico. Our commitment to the island, to innovation and to environmental stewardship remains at the heart of our strategy.”
Siria Reyes, CEO of ARB, commented:
“We have found in EC Waste an ally with vision. Together, we can scale our solutions and impact more communities, faster.”
This is the third acquisition for EC Waste since 3i’s investment in 2021, following the acquisitions of Ecosystems (2023) and AA Waste (2022). The company’s acquisition history is consistent with its strategy to provide superior, environmentally sustainable services to its customers as Puerto Rico’s largest owner and operator of US EPA-permitted, waste-disposal sites.
With 3i’s support, EC Waste has achieved meaningful growth across its residential, commercial, and industrial segments. The company has also expanded its infrastructure, adding a fifth landfill through acquisition and increasing its number of transfer stations from two to four. EC Waste is investing in fleet modernisation to drive operational efficiency and is advancing its sustainability initiatives, including expanded recycling programmes and renewable natural gas collection. 3i remains committed to backing the company’s long-term growth and continues to see further consolidation opportunities.
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For further information, contact:
| Silvia Santoro Investor enquiries |
Kathryn van der Kroft
Media enquiriesTel: +44 20 7975 3258
Email: silvia.santoro@3i.com
Tel: +44 20 7975 3021
Email: kathryn.vanderkroft@3i.com
