Crux Agribotics has been acquired by VDL

Crux Agribotics, a Dutch AgTech innovator with a 40-year heritage in computer vision, robotics, software development and high-tech engineering, has been acquired by VDL Groep, an international industrial family business. Through the acquisition of Crux Agribotics, VDL Groep further strengthens its position in foodtech, one of the growth markets for this family-owned industrial company.

Founded in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Crux is a dedicated AgTech player focused on controlled environment agriculture (CEA) with smart robots using data and AI to classify, sort and pack fruit and vegetables. Its flagship product, the SortiPack® system, is a modular and scalable platform that is already delivering measurable ROI to growers by reducing labor dependency, improving operational efficiency and enhancing yield insights through real-time data analytics. The SortiPack® system integrates advanced computer vision, artificial intelligence and robotics to enable fully automated grading, sorting and packing of crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and pointed peppers. Crux Agribotics has 60 employees.

VDL Groep is an international industrial family business with its headquarters in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The group employs around 14,000 people and operates in 20 countries. It consists of more than 100 specialist operating companies that work closely together. The activities of these companies can be summarized in the “five worlds of VDL”: hightech, mobility, energy, infratech and foodtech.

As part of VDL Groep, Crux Agribotics will be in a position to scale up faster internationally in the production, assembly and delivery of automated sorting and packaging lines. This will allow the company to further expand its market position into greenhouse-related robotization solutions.

Oaklins’ team in the Netherlands acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Crux and its shareholders. The transaction highlights Oaklins’ longstanding expertise in the agriculture, robotics and automation sectors, reinforcing its strong track record in agricultural technology, as well as corporate carveouts.