Wed, 15 Apr 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
A private equity-backed waste management group has extended its geographical reach with the acquisition of a recycling firm based in Scotland. Papilo’s acquisition of REKK Recycling is the group’s third acquisition in under a year.
REKK Recycling, based at Uddingston near Glasgow, provides waste management services to clients from the food production, manufacturing and industrial sectors across Scotland and England. Following the acquisition by Papilo, REKK Recycling co-founder Steven Dodds and John Byrne will remain with the business.
Papilo, a total waste management group based in Manchester, is backed by private equity firm Palatine’s Impact Fund. The acquisition of REKK Recycling represents the group’s third acquisition since securing Palatine’s backing in June 2023, with all three coming within the past 12 months.
The group acquired Midlands-based Allwood Recycling Solutions in February 2026, creating a 200-strong, £60 million revenue business. That deal followed the group’s takeover of North West-based Silverwoods Waste Management in June 2025.
Papilo Chief Executive Michael Gibson, who joined the group earlier this month, said that REKK Recycling was “an excellent strategic addition for Papilo and enhances our geographical presence into Scotland.”
He continued: "Like ourselves, the company's ethos is built on best-in-class customer service and on supporting better environmental outcomes through recycling. Founders Steven and John have done a fine job in building the business and I am pleased that along with their team they are remaining with the group for the next phase of growth."
Palatine Impact Fund Senior Investment Director Greg Holmes described REKK Recycling as “an excellent for Papilo”, both in terms of its geographical positioning and in “its shared commitment to diverting waste from landfill and supporting clients to take a more responsible approach to resource management.”
Holmes added: "This is Papilo’s third acquisition in under a year as we build a business of true scale in the circular economy in partnership with the ambitious management team and we are well-positioned to continue that growth through further strategic M&A."
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