Degrémont, a subsidiary of Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux, has acquired a 39.54% stake in the Norwegian company Goodtech, No. 1 in water treatment and engineering in Scandinavia.

In 1998, Goodtech reported sales of Eur 49 million (FF 320 million). Based in Sandvika, just outside Oslo, the company employs 200 people.

Goodtech is present primarily in Norway, Sweden and Finland. It is developing its export activities through financing provided by Scandinavian institutions abroad.

Goodtech and Degrémont have signed a technical cooperation agreement concerning an exchange of technology. Degrémont's skills will enable Goodtech to satisfy the requirements of the Scandinavian market, which is eager for new technologies. In return, Degrémont will have access to Goodtech's expertise in the use of membranes for water treatment and its know-how in sludge treatment.

Degrémont's construction arm currently makes some two-thirds of its sales in Europe. With this operation, the company will increase its presence in Scandinavian countries and consolidate its international development.