Private equity embraces horticulture once more
Horticulture Spot On
Horticulture has enjoyed a long period of growth when it comes to M&A, and starts 2026 on the back of a buoyant year in terms of deal numbers.
As we report in our latest Spot On, this is in no small part due to renewed interest on the part of private equity (PE) in the horticultural sector, thanks to characteristics such as stable cash flows, opportunities for growth and value creation, and the possibility of operational enhancement.
Oaklins’ horticulture expert, Frank de Hek, delves into both current market trends and the expanding role of PE, and provides case studies on recent deals. In addition, we have an interview with Guido Janssen, the CEO of Lumiforte, a global leader in innovative smart and functional coatings in horticulture, sports field line marking, agriculture and industry. He describes what led the company to seek a new partner to ensure future growth, his personal experience of working with a financial investor and the different ways this strategic move has impacted Lumiforte’s operations.
In the past decade, the horticulture industry has seen nearly continuous growth in M&A activity, with the notable exception of 2023/2024, when high gas prices and macroeconomic uncertainty caused transaction volumes to stall. While PE involvement peaked in earlier years before declining between 2022 and 2024, activity is now clearly trending upward again.FRANK DE HEK, HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST, OAKLINS NETHERLANDS
Insights into market multiples and valuations, and an overview of horticulture transactions closed by Oaklins are also featured.
Talk to our industry specialist
Managing Partner
View profile
Download the newsletter below for expert commentary in this sector
