Pan-European mid-market private equity firm Stirling Square Capital has acquired Sustainable Agro Solutions (SAS) in a primary transaction.
Founded in 1989, SAS has established itself as a leading developer and producer of biostimulants, soil and water improvers, defence activators, and specialty plant nutrition solutions for the agricultural sector. Headquartered in Lleida (Spain), the company is present in 90 countries across Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Sustainability is at SAS’s core. This is evidenced from both the product offering, which is respectful of the environment, and allows farmers to maximise yields while minimising soil depletion, water consumption and pesticide use, and the production processes as SAS sources c20 per cent of its energy needs from photovoltaic panels installed on its facility. Additionally, SAS is carrying out projects at its facilities to optimise and achieve waste reduction and the development of circular economy products.
Enrico Biale of Stirling Square says: “SAS is an outstanding platform which represents Stirling Square’s first transaction in Spain. We are very excited about the growth opportunities that will allow SAS to consolidate its prime position in the fragmented biostimulants market, organically and through international M&A. Eduard and his team have strong conviction on the sustainability of their product range, which aligns with Stirling Square’s strong ESG footprint.”
Eduard Vallverdú, CEO of SAS adds: “We are delighted to welcome Stirling Square as partners. There is a great affinity between SAS and Stirling Square in terms of philosophy and vision that makes us ideal partners for our project and future strategy in such a dynamic sector. Stirling Square brings deep global networks and growth expertise that will allow SAS to incorporate new resources and competencies into this project and further reinforce its leading position in terms of sustainability, products, technology and global presence.”
The transaction represents the sixth platform investment in Stirling Square’s Fourth Fund.