Eurazeo Acquires Circular IT Firm T1A Group

Eurazeo, through its dedicated Eurazeo Planetary Boundaries Fund (EPBF), has secured a majority stake in T1A Group, a prominent Danish firm specializing in the circular IT economy. This strategic acquisition marks EPBF's third investment since its inception just over a year ago and signifies its initial foray into the Danish market, underscoring a commitment to expanding sustainable technology solutions across Europe.

The deal positions T1A Group, a leader in IT Asset Disposition (ITAD), for accelerated growth. The company's core mission revolves around extending the lifespan of used IT equipment, thereby significantly reducing carbon emissions, water usage, and electronic waste. With Eurazeo's backing, T1A is set to pursue an ambitious expansion plan, encompassing both organic development and a strategic buy-and-build initiative aimed at establishing a dominant ITAD platform across key European territories, including Germany, the Benelux region, the United Kingdom, and France. Peter Hemicke, the founder of T1A, will continue to steer the company's strategic direction and remains a substantial co-investor.

Since its founding in 2001, T1A has developed a robust operational model, refurbishing over 250,000 data-carrying units annually. This includes a wide array of corporate IT hardware such as laptops, servers, and network infrastructure. The company directly addresses the escalating challenge of e-waste, a consequence of increasing technology demand, by promoting a more resource-efficient and sustainable economic model. T1A boasts a proven history of profitable expansion, recognized for its operational efficiency and dedication to minimizing the environmental footprint of IT equipment.

This investment aligns perfectly with EPBF's mandate to support businesses that positively impact critical planetary boundaries. Specifically, the acquisition contributes to mitigating Climate Change by substituting the manufacturing of new devices with refurbishment, thereby cutting down on embodied carbon. It also conserves Freshwater resources, as refurbishment processes are considerably less water-intensive than new production. Furthermore, it addresses Pollution through the responsible management of electronic waste, preventing the release of hazardous substances into the environment.

Erwann Le Ligné and Wilfried Piskula, Managing Partners and Co-Heads of EPBF, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. They highlighted that the investment in T1A exemplifies EPBF's strategy of backing high-growth, profitable companies that offer concrete solutions to pressing environmental issues. They emphasized T1A's established position in the circular IT sector and welcomed the opportunity to foster a European leader in sustainable IT, marking a significant step with their first Danish investment.

Peter Hemicke, CEO of T1A, views the collaboration with Eurazeo and EPBF as a pivotal moment for the company. He stated that T1A sought a partner who not only understood its business model but also shared its deep-seated commitment to circularity and growth aspirations. With Eurazeo's support, T1A intends to enhance its innovation in the circular IT economy, broaden its service offerings, and expand its geographic reach to solidify its standing as the premier partner in the circular IT sector. Hemicke expressed eagerness to lead the company into this new phase, focusing on maximizing the reuse of IT assets.