Hanab Strengthens Position in the Water Sector
Sector on the Brink of Major Investment Cycle
Amsterdam/Uden, 11 September 2026 – Hanab is strengthening its position in the Dutch infrastructure sector through the acquisition of Van Boekel Groep. This strategic move provides Hanab with immediate access to a market that is set to experience significant growth in the coming years: water treatment and drinking water infrastructure. Investment in wastewater treatment plants, drinking water production and water management is increasingly emerging as a second infrastructure supercycle alongside the energy transition.
The Netherlands faces substantial challenges in its water infrastructure. Ageing assets, stricter environmental regulations, climate change, rising demand for drinking water and a shortage of skilled technical professionals are all driving increased investment needs. Dutch water authorities currently invest billions of euros annually in flood protection, water systems and wastewater treatment. At the same time, drinking water companies are warning of structural capacity shortages that could affect housing development, economic growth and industrial expansion.
“While the energy transition has dominated the infrastructure market in recent years, we see water developing into an equally significant theme,” said Stanley Maas, CEO of Hanab. “The societal challenge is considerable, and the associated investment programmes have a long-term horizon. With Van Boekel, we are bringing a leading player into the group whose culture and ambitions align perfectly with those of Hanab. Their deep specialist expertise, strong customer relationships and excellent reputation provide a solid foundation for building a leading position together in this important and rapidly growing market.”
This acquisition is fully aligned with Hanab’s ambitious growth strategy. Earlier this year, Hanab further expanded its international footprint through the acquisition of two UK-based companies: Green Frog Connect, a specialist in high-voltage infrastructure, and AMS Trenchless, a specialist in horizontal directional drilling. In addition, Dutch cleanroom specialist CTC Solutions, based in Best, joined the group, further strengthening Hanab’s position in high-tech and complex operating environments. Three installation companies in the south and centre of the Netherlands were also acquired. Alongside the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, the United Kingdom is becoming an increasingly important growth market for Hanab.
The transaction remains subject to approval by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). The approval process is expected to take approximately four weeks.
