Saur French is a leading company in France, specializing in the management of drinking water and wastewater. The firm primarily serves small to mid-sized cities across the country, providing services to approximately 7,000 municipalities under long-term contracts. Saur French is also expanding its international footprint, particularly in regions such as Iberia, Saudi Arabia, and Poland. As a key player in environmental services, Saur French supports local authorities and industrial clients in their water and wastewater management needs while offering engineering and infrastructure solutions.
Market Position
Saur French holds the position of the third-largest entity in the French water market, consistently maintaining a market share of around 17%. The company has built a robust presence in both local and regional markets, employing about 8,000 individuals in France and approximately 12,000 globally.
In France, Saur French primarily operates through long-term contracts ranging from 10 to 12 years with municipalities. These asset-light delegation agreements enable Saur French to manage operations at its own risk, generating revenue from end consumers while the assets remain owned by local authorities.
The Evolution of Saur:
A Commitment to Clean Water Access
The 1930s: A Vision for Universal Clean Water
The journey of Saur began in 1933, led by the vision of Pierre Crussard, who aimed to extend the benefits of progress to those previously marginalized. At that time, only 23% of rural communities in France had access to a mains drinking water supply. By the onset of World War II, Saur was already managing water supplies for 27 towns.
The 1940s: Post-War Reconstruction and Growth
In the aftermath of World War II, Saur faced numerous challenges but continued to advance. The company conducted preliminary studies for significant projects, including the Angle-Guignard and Mervent dams, alongside drinking water production facilities for Vendée. Starting in 1948, Saur began taking over water service management from municipalities, earning trust through its commitment to providing high-quality water efficiently.
The 1950s: Expanding Rural Services and International Ventures
By its 25th anniversary, Saur was serving about 700 communities across various French departments, including Yonne, Calvados, and Aisne. In response to growing operations, the company established Stereau in 1959, focusing on engineering and infrastructure services. Saur’s international expansion began in 1949 with projects in Africa, including engineering consultancy in Gabon and water supply contracts in Côte d’Ivoire.
The 1960s: Targeting Urban Markets and Iberian Expansion
On November 12, 1968, Saur secured its first major management contract for the city of Nîmes, marking a significant milestone. That same year, Saur Spain began operating the ‘Aguas de Maresme’ water supply service for Barcelona, initiating a long-term partnership with Spain.
The 1970s: Strengthening Wastewater Treatment Services
As France recognized the need for improved wastewater treatment, Saur positioned itself in this emerging market, providing comprehensive management of water services, from drinking water production to wastewater treatment.
The 1980s: Innovation and Research & Development
The establishment of a central laboratory allowed Saur to analyze thousands of water samples annually, positioning the company at the forefront of water chemistry innovation. The decade also saw Saur expand into North America and the UK, becoming a leading private operator in Quebec.
The 1990s: Expanding Markets and Strategic Acquisitions
In 1997, Saur made a significant move in public service outsourcing by acquiring the Saint Gobain subsidiary Cise. This acquisition bolstered its international presence and led to the creation of Saur International, which thrived in securing contracts across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The 2000s: A New Chapter for Saur
In 2004, the Bouygues Group sold Saur to PAI Partners, marking a new era. With a high contract renewal rate, Saur actively sought new customers, expanding its reach even into Armenia and Saudi Arabia, driven by its reputation for quality service.
The 2010s: Innovation-Driven Performance
This decade saw rapid advancements in technology, with Saur leading the market by establishing Operations Control Centers (OCCs) for enhanced water system performance and safety. The Saur corporate foundation also supported numerous humanitarian and environmental projects.
The 2020s: Advocating for Global Water Revaluation
Following a transformative change program initiated in 2020, Saur, under new ownership from EQT, is redefining its governance and corporate purpose. The Group aims to advocate for the global revaluation of water, refreshing its brand image to align with its mission of revitalizing communities through sustainable water management.
Reference
- SAUR https://eqtgroup.com/about/current-portfolio/saur
- 90 year anniversary Saur https://www.saur.com/90-ans-saur
