Arnold AG expands water business as fourth strong pillar

As a network infrastructure company that operates throughout Switzerland, Arnold AG offers services in the areas of electricity supply, telecommunication, transport infrastructure and water supply. With the acquisition of Hinni AG, its newest division is being developed into a fourth strong pillar, which will give rise to valuable synergies both within this area and with the traditional divisions. The move will ensure that Arnold AG continues its consistent growth as a successful service provider for extensive, widespread infrastructure systems.

Hinni AG has been restoring hydrants under full water pressure since the company was established in 1990. Today, it offers maintenance and restoring services for hydrants and valves and has developed an intelligent customer data base which allows an optimal management of all processes. In addition to these services, Hinni AG operates also in the area of sensors and has a system for online surveillance of water networks at its disposal. The company also manufactures and distributes hydrants. Hinni AG is a Swiss market leader in these areas and has around 20 patents on its services and products. The renowned company employs a total of 125 members of staff at its head office in Biel-Benken, at its service centres throughout Switzerland, and at its Italian subsidiary. It also has distribution channels in some European countries.

The acquisition by Arnold AG will give Hinni AG access to BKW's network, which will open up further opportunities to sell its services to even more customers and thereby expedite the company's growth. With the acquisition, Arnold AG has taken a further step towards becoming Switzerland's leading service provider in the area of water and wastewater infrastructure. As a provider of services and a manufacturer of systems and products in the drinking water and extinguishing water segments, Hinni AG is supplementing the activities of the Arnold subsidiaries Baumeler and Arpe, which offer services for pipe infrastructure and wastewater drainage engineering.

With the latest acquisition, the BKW Group is combining expertise along the entire value chain in the municipal water segment under one roof. This ranges from engineering, to production, delivery and installation of the systems, through to maintenance and operation. BKW's customers will thereby benefit from a more closely interlinked range of services.

Hinni AG will continue to be managed by the existing management team under managing director Jules Graber and will remain an independent company. The acquisition will not lead to any changes for employees.

You can find more information regarding Hinni AG in the portfolio document (in German).