Suez is betting on the international market to remain a heavyweight in water and waste

What is left for Suez after archrival Veolia takes over 60% of its operations? Still great assets in water and waste management in France and abroad, emphasized the group’s CEO, Sabrina Susan, on Tuesday, September 27, presenting its 2022-2027 strategy. Once the former Suez waste operations in the UK and hazardous products in France, which Veolia sold to it for competitive reasons, and the recent acquisition in South Africa are integrated, turnover will increase from 7.5 billion to 9 billion. Euro and its workforce of 35,000 to 44,000 people. Of course, it is far from the 37 billion and 220,000 employees of its French competitor, but it is enough to develop in several markets.

In addition to France, Great Britain and Italy, Suez maintained positions in China, India, Australia and the Middle East, as well as in Africa (Morocco, Senegal, South Africa). A total of forty countries, which should represent 40% of its business in five years, against 25% today. As if to confirm this international ambition, which is essential for the sustainability of the group, Suez announced the signing of a contract worth 700 million euros over 20 years to manage the water of Bombay, the largest in India since its first establishment. 1978

“Suez is back. We are going to focus on our historical business, water and waste” – Sabrina Susan, Group CEO

“Suez is backasserts M.^I Susan. We intend to focus on our historic business, water and waste, and differentiate through innovation, customer experience, investment and value creation, not only for our shareholders, but also for our customers, our employees and the community. » He believes that the group should walk “on two legs”Water and waste, even if the first in five years will lose ground and weigh only 45% of the activity, and domestic and industrial waste, 55%.

“Remunicipalization” and “Partnership”

These two sectors are driven by the need for a circular economy, which requires the rational use of water and its treatment against micropollution, as well as plastic recycling and waste recovery for the production of heat, electricity and biogas. Thus, the new Suez boss, who led German rail construction giant Siemens Mobility, hopes to see average annual turnover growth of 4% to 5% over five years and profitability above that figure.