For Ever, a market leader in gladiolus breeding, has entered into a strategic partnership with Synergia Capital Partners. With this investment, the company wants to continue the strong growth of recent years. Oaklins served as exclusive M&A advisor to the shareholders of For Ever. While COVID-19 causes delays in several merger and acquisition processes, Frank de Hek, head of Oaklins' horticulture team, continues to see strong interest for companies that have a solid position in an attractive market segment.
For Ever was established in 1998 when three gladiolus breeders brought their genetics into one company. The merger aimed to create economies of scale, which has resulted in the current world market leader in gladiolus breeding. Breeding is the process of developing and producing new plant species. For Ever has unique gladiolus varieties that are appreciated by its customers all over the world. On the back of its number one position, For Ever is well positioned to benefit from the current market dynamics and increase its market share.
In order to take advantage of these opportunities in the coming years, the For Ever management has identified several opportunities to further strengthen and expand the company. For the realization of these plans, there was a strong preference to do this together with an experienced partner who could provide added value in realizing the growth plan and could support the professionalization of the organization and the transition phase to a broader leadership team. This partner has now been found in Synergia Capital Partners.
"The process of finding a new partner was intense, but exciting. We have explored various options and we are convinced that we have made the right choice by welcoming Synergia as a new shareholder. We can now take advantage of Synergia's vast experience in building strong agriculture companies, with Ploeger Oxbo and Pokon Naturado as prime examples", says Theo van Aanholt, Director of For Ever.
Theo van Aanholt continues: “In addition, we can leverage their network of successful entrepreneurs that invest in Synergia to expand our global sales market. Eduard Paarlberg, Gert-Jan Paarlberg and myself are looking forward to take For Ever, together with Synergia, to the next level.”
Paul van den Heuvel, Investment Director on behalf of Synergia Capital Partners says: “We are very impressed by For Ever because of its unique gladiolus genetics and the global market leadership that has been achieved in recent years. The distinctive character and added value for which For Ever has excellent opportunities for further growth and we look forward to supporting Theo and the team in this. We are excited to welcome For Ever as first investment in our recently raised fifth fund.”