Leading European importer-exporter secures new capital investment following decision to expand ownership structure
Belgian importer Special Fruit has secured new capital investment following a decision to welcome a number of new shareholders alongside existing owners, the Maes family.
As a result of the agreement, effective 14 April, the company is now owned by four families – De Roeck, Remy, Reyniers, and Maes – as well as a number of other, smaller shareholders.
Finance group VDP, which acted as exclusive advisor to the Maes family, said the partnership would support the company’s ambition “to accelerate its international growth and further strengthen its position across the value chain”.
In reality, nothing is expected to change in terms of Special Fruit’s day-to-day operation and management as an independent company with the same strategic direction as before.
Common ground
According to Special Fruit, all of the shareholders involved share a common background and experience in the fruit and vegetable sector.
The De Roeck family owns Frescura Group, which comprises a number of fresh produce companies including Frescura, Fruitpackers, Fruitful-Berries, Belfresca, Emiel de Roeck & zonen, Verdura Verde, DBS and DBS Agro.
The Remy family owns import-export service provider Jacques Remy, while the Reyniers family owns Omnipack Reyniers, which specialises in sourcing, packing, and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables.
