Barentz finds strong equity partner to accelerate growth

The ingredients distribution market has seen major consolidation activities in the past decade. Hidde van der Wal, CEO of Barentz International, comments: “The consolidation trend in the distribution business is driven by, among others, the reduction of distributor relationships maintained by suppliers and a globalisation of the industry, which force ingredients distributors to increase their geographical reach and expand their product portfolio in order to achieve critical mass and realise economies of scale. These drivers are expected to result in a further consolidation in the coming years.”

Successful acquisitions

Barentz has had an active role in the market consolidation, which included the successful acquisitions of Vitablend (2008), Agri Nutrition (2008), Forum Products (2011) and Maustepalvelu (2014). The majority participations in RFI (2011), Prochifar (2012), NK Chemicals (2013) and Additive Solutions (2014) have enabled Barentz to strengthen its market position and expand its geographical reach even further.

Marc van de Put, partner at Holland Corporate Finance, adds: “We are pleased that Barentz can kick off the year with a capital investment from a strong equity partner which perfectly fits with the Barentz culture. Our next step together is to find suitable acquisition candidates in Barentz’ core distribution markets in the food & nutrition, pharmaceutical, personal care and animal nutrition industries in order to accelerate the growth strategy of Barentz.”

Holland Corporate Finance acted as exclusive M&A advisor to Barentz. The transaction team consisted of Marc van de Put, Frank de Hek and Michiel Klomp.