Water infrastructure consultancy Sequana welcomes financial sponsor

Water infrastructure consultancy Sequana has received a boost in its growth ambitions by partnering with Pemba Capital Partners, the private equity firm’s second deal this month.

Established in 2019 with offices in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, Sequana provides project and program management services to the water sector, combining high-value commercial advice with technical engineering expertise.

Pemba’s investment is its second in the professional services sector in as many days, alongside boutique accounting firm Stannards, with infrastructure advisory ConnellGriffin and sustainability consultancy Rennie already within its portfolio.

“This partnership underscores our shared commitment to shaping the future of Australia’s water industry,” stated Sequana chief executive Frank Fisseler. “We’ve consistently pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and crafted solutions to address current needs, and with Pemba by our side we’ll explore new acquisition and expansion opportunities to further enhance our expertise.”

With more than two decades of private and government water sector experience behind him, Fisseler set up Sequana – which takes its name from the goddess of the river Seine – alongside fellow co-founder and industry veteran Mike Walsh as chair, and together they lead a fast-growing team of more than 70 specialists and 300-plus contractors across Australia.

In making its investment, Pemba cited the almost $10 billion spend on water infrastructure upgrades and new projects in Australia last year, and the long-term trends such as population growth, tighter environmental regulation, accelerating climate change, and net-zero transformations which are certain to see that figure rise rapidly in the years ahead and drive demand for high-level guidance.

“Pemba has long been impressed by Sequana’s deep sector knowledge and trusted reputation,” the firm stated. “With an emphasis on environmental stewardship, Sequana covers all aspects of the water ecosystem, including urban, rural, and manufactured water, and we’ll work closely together on a variety of initiatives to drive sustainable growth and seize the significant market opportunity.”