The $3-billion-dollar deal will double Veolia's presence in the United States, said Estelle Brachlianoff, the French group's managing director.

"Today we are entering a new dimension in the United States," she said in a call with reporters, adding that the acquisition will result in a nationwide American presence in environmental services for Veolia.

Veolia is aiming for synergies worth $120 million from the link-up, and for an increase in earnings per share from ongoing operations in year two after the merger.

Clean Earth offers a comprehensive array of specialty waste treatment, disposal, and recycling solutions.

Veolia, which employs 215,000 employees worldwide, designs and provides solutions for water, waste and energy management.

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Veolia