Wynnchurch Capital is selling Labrie Environmental Group, a Levis, Quebec-based maker of automated refuse collection vehicles, to Hiab Corporation, a Swedish firm specializing in sustainable load handling solutions. The transaction, expected to close in Q3 2026, marks Wynnchurch’s strategic exit from the waste management equipment sector after acquiring Labrie in September 2020. Labrie’s portfolio includes side loaders, rear loaders, and aftermarket parts under its Labrie, Wittke, and Leach brands, serving residential haulers and municipalities across North America.

The $50 million deal underscores Hiab’s push to expand its North American footprint in eco-friendly infrastructure. Labrie’s specialty vehicles, designed for efficiency in waste collection, align with Hiab’s focus on reducing urban carbon footprints. Wynnchurch’s exit suggests confidence in Labrie’s operational stability and growth potential under new ownership.

This move signals a shift in waste management technology consolidation, as Hiab aims to integrate Labrie’s automated systems with its own smart logistics platforms. For investors, the sale highlights trends in green infrastructure investment and M&A activity in specialized industrial equipment.

Why it matters: The deal reflects evolving priorities in municipal waste solutions, blending automation with sustainability—a critical area for cities grappling with rising environmental regulations.