EW Group, a German-based strategic family holding, has acquired Planasa Group, a leading breeder and propagator of next-generation berry varieties, including blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, as well as other plant varieties such as garlic, asparagus, and avocado.
The takeover was completed from international private equity firm Cinven and the Spanish family office, Label Investments.
Planasa, headquartered in Navarra, Spain, has breeding and nursery operations in several locations, supplying customers in more than 25 countries.
The acquisition of Planasa is a significant milestone for EW Group as it allows them to strategically expand their breeding activities into the area of plant breeding. The global berry market is one of the fastest-growing segments in the fruit and vegetable industry, and with Planasa, EW Group will have an opportunity to enter this attractive market segment.
The acquisition of Planasa is expected to help contribute to the sustainable growth of the global berry and vegetable industries by supporting strong investment into Planasa’s breeding and nursery capabilities.
Planasa’s leading innovative genetic varieties, highly qualified and dedicated management team, and unique global footprint make it the ideal platform for EW Group’s expansion into fruit and vegetable breeding.
Cinven has successfully driven strong growth at Planasa by investing in the core business, expanding globally, significantly growing R&D, and attracting a first-class management team.
Planasa has been transformed from a founder-led business to a leading global agri-tech operator. Planasa is well-positioned to maintain its positive trajectory, and Cinven wishes the company success in its next stage of growth.
Thilo Sautter, Partner at Cinven, said, “We are very proud of the success that Planasa has achieved. The Planasa management team has transformed the company into a leading global agri-tech operator. Planasa is well-positioned to maintain its positive trajectory, and we wish the company success in its next stage of growth.”
Planasa’s CEO, Michael Brinkmann, expressed his gratitude to the current shareholders, Cinven and Blue Label Capital, for their unwavering trust and support over the past years. He also mentioned that the Planasa management team is delighted to become part of the EW Group and is looking forward to working closely with the new owners to achieve Planasa’s breeding activities to an even higher level.
The acquisition of Planasa will help EW Group expand its international footprint and product range, making it a global leader in the agri-tech sector.
The company’s ESG credentials will also be enhanced through its ability to address agricultural conditions such as drought, pests, diseases, water, fertilisers, and food waste. The acquisition also includes 13 nursery facilities across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, which will help EW Group strengthen its nursery operations.
Dirk Wesjohann, EW Group, states, “We are convinced that Planasa, with its leading innovative genetic varieties, highly qualified and dedicated management team, and unique global footprint, is the ideal platform for EW Group’s expansion into fruit and vegetable breeding.”
His brother, Jan Wesjohann, adds, “We are committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of the global berry and vegetable industries by supporting strong investment into Planasa’s breeding and nursery capabilities.”
