Closed Loop Partners acquires majority stake in Balcones Resources

Closed Loop Partners, a New York-based investment firm focused on building the circular economy, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Austin, Texas-based Balcones Resources through its private equity fund, the Closed Loop Leadership Fund.

Maite Quinn, a managing director of Closed Loop Partners, says she and a fellow Managing Director Michael Gajewski will take seats on the Balcones board under the terms of the agreement.

Balcones Resources has been in business for 25 years, handling commercial and residential recycling, among other services, in Texas and Arkansas at its three material recovery facilities (MRFs) in Austin, Dallas and in Little Rock, Arkansas. “Their commitment to operational excellence, advanced technology and long-term partnerships makes Balcones an ideal platform to scale the circular economy within their current markets and across the United States,” a press release issued by Closed Loop Partners states.

Kerry Getter, chairman and CEO of Balcones, will continue to lead the company.

“The expertise that Closed Loop Partners brings to the new relationship will provide unprecedented opportunities for corporate management and shareholder growth,” he says. “Balcones and Closed Loop Partners’ cultures are similarly aligned. Together, we will be able to enhance employee opportunities, services to our customers and assist in achieving a diverse set of ambitious environmental goals.”

The partnership builds on Closed Loop Partners’ extensive network of strategic stakeholders across the recycling and manufacturing value chain, from supplier relationships with corporate partners to recycling facilities to manufacturers across the United States. By better connecting and integrating the system, costs and volatility in the market are reduced, according to the organization.

“We’re investing across the supply chain with a long-term view of a more profitable and sustainable future,” says Ron Gonen, CEO of Closed Loop Partners. “By scaling best-in-class businesses like Balcones, we will strengthen recycling and circular economy infrastructure in the U.S.”

Quinn says Closed Loop Partners will help Balcones with planned growth investments. She adds that Balcones already has a number of initiatives in the pipeline, which is part of the reason Closed Loop Partners chose to invest in the company. “We stand behind them in supporting their vision because we have the same vision.”

Quinn says that as an investment company that seeks to invest in the circular economy and the supply chain, Closed Loop Partners will make other investments within or outside of Balcones to support this goal. She adds that among the organization’s goals are supplying the highest quality recyclables possible so they feed into the next part of the supply chain, reducing costs overall. Quinn says the Closed Loop Partners wants to be part of full supply chain and is exploring vertical investment opportunities within Balcones as well as investments and partnerships with other companies.

The Closed Loop Leadership Fund brings together corporate investors, institutional investors, family offices and foundations committed to building circular supply chains that reduce costs, increase margins and protects the environment, Closed Loop Partners says.