A company backed by Permira funds is to sell Netafim, a specialist in smart drip and micro-irrigation solutions for sustainable agriculture and other applications, to Mexichem, in an all-cash transaction worth USD1.895 billion.
Mexichem will acquire 80 per cent of Netafim while Kibbutz Hatzerim, the founder, will retain the remaining 20 per cent.
Torsten Vogt (pictured), partner at Permira and Co-Head of Industrials, says: “The Permira funds’ investment in Netafim fits squarely within one of our Industrial Team’s key focus areas – the food value chain – where for more than a decade the funds have successfully invested in businesses which help farmers grow more with less. We leveraged this unique experience, as well as our track record of backing high-growth industrial businesses and our global team, to support Netafim as it developed new technologies to revolutionise precision farming and expanded into significant new markets to become a leading global platform for irrigation systems.”
“Netafim is an outstanding business and we are proud to have supported the company’s growth and its critical mission of conserving and protecting water resources,” says Michail Zekkos, a partner at Permira. “Over the course of our partnership with Netafim’s management, Kibbutz Hatzerim and Kibbutz Magal, the company was transformed into a best-in-class global leader, with an enhanced focus on innovation and new product development, and an expanded footprint and resources. It has been a pleasure working with the Netafim team and we wish them continued success as part of Mexichem.”
Ran Maidan, CEO of Netafim, says: “The Permira team has been an incredible partner over the last six years, bringing its deep industrial expertise, international relationships and operational experience to help support and accelerate our growth plans. We have made great strides in revolutionising irrigation globally for a sustainable future and look forward to continuing to execute on our next chapter of growth as part of Mexichem.”
The Permira funds have a long track record of successfully investing in industrial companies around the world. Current industrial investments include leading aftermarket manufacturer and supplier of highly-engineered components for heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration, DiversiTech; chemical manufacturer, CABB; and containment solutions business, Bakercorp.
Goldman Sachs, Centerview Partners LLC and Bank of America Merrill Lynch acted as financial advisers to the Permira funds and Netafim and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and EBN&Co acted as legal advisers.
The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory review.
