PreZero, a prominent German waste processing and recycling company, is set to acquire Autorecycling Kempers, a family-owned automotive recycling business headquartered in Meppen, Germany. The acquisition, announced on October 9, 2026, remains subject to approval by German regulatory authorities.
Autorecycling Kempers, founded in 1964 in Emmer-Compascuum and relocated to Meppen in 2005, specializes in the precise dismantling and reuse of test vehicles, prototypes, and damaged cars. The company employs approximately 80 staff members from Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia.
Peter Kempers, current owner and son of the founder, will step down following the completion of the transaction. His son, Ayton Kempers, aged 30, will assume the role of director under PreZero’s ownership. Ayton expressed optimism about the deal, highlighting the growth opportunities afforded by joining one of Europe’s largest corporate groups.
PreZero, part of the Schwarz Gruppe and with operations including a facility in Groningen, Netherlands, has a strong focus on processing residual materials and recycling automotive batteries. The acquisition of Kempers complements PreZero’s existing capabilities, particularly in battery recycling, and is expected to facilitate operational synergies and network expansion.
Strategically, the deal enables PreZero to strengthen its position in the automotive recycling sector by integrating Kempers’ high-precision dismantling technology with its broader recycling infrastructure. This integration is anticipated to improve resource allocation, enhance research and development collaboration, and accelerate workforce growth to meet increasing demand.
From a market perspective, the acquisition reflects ongoing consolidation trends within the waste management and automotive recycling industries. Competitors may face heightened pressure as PreZero leverages its scale and network to expand service offerings and geographic reach across Germany and neighboring countries.
Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. The deal involves a full acquisition of Autorecycling Kempers, with no external investors or advisors publicly reported. The integration process will focus on maintaining operational continuity while aligning the family-owned company’s culture with PreZero’s corporate structure.
Looking ahead, PreZero plans to expand Kempers’ workforce and capacity, capitalizing on the combined group’s procurement efficiencies and market presence. Regulatory approval remains the final step before the transaction’s completion.
Overall, this acquisition positions PreZero to capitalize on growing demand for advanced automotive recycling solutions, reinforcing its leadership in environmental services and sustainable waste processing.
