COFRA acquires Dalsem, a leading greenhouse developer

ˇ       The acquisition of Dalsem is COFRA's second investment in sustainable food systems following its recently announced stake in Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), as part of a broader portfolio diversification strategy

ˇ       Dalsem's differentiated engineering expertise, end-to-end business model and strong operational track record make it ideally placed to benefit from global growth in greenhouse systems

ˇ       Dalsem's Managing Director Jan Pieter Dalsem to remain with the business

Founded in 1932, Dalsem is a third-generation family business deeply rooted in the innovative Dutch horticultural industry. The company has earned a global reputation as a professional and reliable partner for international high-tech greenhouse projects. Dalsem's purpose is to support the development of more resource efficient, local and nutritious food production systems.

Dalsem's sophisticated engineering capabilities enable it to design large-scale projects in any location, and it is renowned for its ability to manage and execute projects from design through to installation. It develops a wide range of components in-house, making it particularly responsive to the needs of growers and investors and able to control the end-to-end process.

COFRA will acquire 100% of Dalsem's share capital, subject to merger clearance approval. Dalsem's Managing Director (MD) Jan Pieter Dalsem will remain in his position and is committed to working closely with COFRA to further strengthen the business.

Boudewijn Beerkens, CEO of COFRA, said:

"This acquisition, along with the acquisition of Sunrock in 2020 and our investment in Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) last year, form part of COFRA's ongoing diversification strategy which is focused on tackling the biggest social and environmental challenges facing the world.

Controlled environment agriculture will be essential to meeting the world's food needs over the coming decades and Dalsem stands as one of the most accomplished companies in the sector worldwide. Not only does it provide a uniquely comprehensive service to experienced and new growers alike, but it does so with a proven commercial model that provides a solid foundation for further investment.

We greatly look forward to adding Dalsem to the COFRA portfolio and to helping the business grow further in the US, Europe and further afield. I am delighted that Jan Pieter will be remaining with the business."

Jan Pieter Dalsem, Owner and Managing Director of Dalsem, said: "Ninety years after Dalsem was founded, I am hugely excited for this next chapter for the group and for us to be an integral part of the COFRA portfolio.

Dalsem's future is in good hands with COFRA, a long-term family-owned company with deep roots in the Netherlands and a global reach. I look forward to working together to bring sustainable food production systems to new areas, helping to improve food security, quality and reliability globally".

Financial details will not be disclosed.

Photo: AppHarvest's Morehead, Kentucky high-tech greenhouse - designed, manufactured and installed by Dalsem. Just over 24 hectares (60 acres)

Source: COFRA