Agrocap Invest Group, which owns a number of companies in the fresh produce business including Cool Fresh International, Innoverde and Purnatur, has acquired Netherlands-based import-export firm Saphir BV.
The acquisition, which Eurofruit understands has been under discussion since last year, has apparently now been fast-tracked and will see Saphir merged in its entirety into the commercial operations of Cool Fresh International, the oldest fresh produce company in the Agrocap group.
Hugo Vermeulen, managing director of Cool Fresh, will manage the enlarged company, with Saphir's current owner Hans Oosterman set to remain a 'vital part' of the new company.
Since the end of 2011, a number of Agrocap subsidiaries including Cool Fresh International have operated from the same logistics facility as Saphir in Ridderkerk, near Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
According to the group's chief executive Johan in 't Veld, the planned pooling of products, assets and skills will help all parties offer 'an appropriate response' to recent changes in the fresh produce industry.
Commenting on the purchase, he said increasing added value in the supply chain had been key to Agrocap's recent growth and, by incorporating Saphir's portfolio of products and clients into its operations, the organisation would be well placed to expand further its existing commercial activities.
'New business models based on a joining of forces, in conjunction with competent professionals, can create breakthroughs for all links in the chain,' he told Eurofruit.
'This suits the growth strategy which the AgroCap Group set for itself in 2007, specifically in order to develop better solutions for customers and producers.'
Growth strategy
Agrocap’s stated growth strategy over the past few years has focused squarely on fostering organic development at all of its subsidiaries and encouraging them to work together to achieve that aim.
It is expected that Saphir's entire management and sales teams will be employed within the enlarged organisation.
'Because of the fact that we have been cooperating intensively with Saphir during the past year it is clear to us that this company also places clients and suppliers on centre stage, and this fits in perfectly well with the DNA of Agrocap,' said Vermeulen.
'The takeover provides an extra impulse for our innovative marketing solutions, and creates an ideal environment for the personal development of all people who are active in it.'
Oosterman said the takeover provided the best of both worlds in terms of operational strength and commercial expansion.
'A robust and intensified market acquisition process from within our modern logistic facility in Ridderkerk, coupled with the further development of tailor made solutions for the global clients of Agrocap will create extensive benefits for clients and producers,' he said.
Formed in 2003,Agrocap Investis an international investment company focused on the global fresh produce trade.
It owns companies in ten countries, among them South Africa, Namibia, Peru and Spain.
Saphir was established in Rotterdam in 1979 and is primarily a fresh produce importer, sourcing fruit from countries like Brazil and Argentina and vegetables from Germany and Spain.
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