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Defeder is a Spanish company specialised in the manufacture of ecological fertilisers and organic raw materials for animal feed.
Madrid, 15 December, 2021. Henko Partners, a new Spanish private equity firm, has completed its third investment since the recent launch of the fund by entering into the capital of the Huesca-based company Defeder.
Defeder is a manufacturer of organic fertilisers and organic raw materials for animal feed. The company has been growing at a rate of 40% in recent years, supported by the solid macro trend in the sectors in which it operates, as well as the high quality and reliability standards of its products, 100% organic, with a focus on circular economy, sustainability and eco-viability.
In 2021, Defeder is consolidating its leadership in the organic fertiliser segment in Spain and France, the main markets for the company, which is strongly internationalised.
With this operation, the founders of Defeder, Raúl and Joaquín Saila, are looking to bring in a partner that will allow them to strengthen the solid foundations of the company, with the aim of taking advantage of the multiple opportunities for future growth.
Defeder's current management team will continue to lead the day-to-day running of the company, with Henko's entry as a shareholder providing resources and operational support, especially in the fields of commercial and product development, as well as potential inorganic growth.
Joaquín Saila considers that "the experience of Henko's team in expansion projects will allow us to strengthen our positioning in different geographies and make the most of a growing market, driven by the high demand for ecological products and environmental sustainability". According to Raúl Saila, "the incorporation of Henko also gives us the possibility of acquiring other companies, which would allow us to complement our product portfolio or geographic scope with greater speed".
Lars Becker, partner at Henko, adds: "We are very happy to support Raúl and Joaquín in their growth plans. Working closely with founders with potential and good teams is key to our philosophy. In this case, with Defeder we also add a company that has shown a capacity for constant growth and improvement and is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for quality organic products for the agricultural industry".
In addition, Francisco Miguel and José Luis Latorre also join Defeder's board, bringing their experience, vision and management skills to this project.
The transaction was advised by EmpresaX and Cuatrecasas, as financial and legal advisors to the founders, and by Bird & Bird and Russell Bedford, as legal and financial advisors to Henko.
Defeder is a company specialising in the manufacture of ecological fertilisers and organic raw materials for animal feed. Based in Monzón (Huesca), and founded in 2008 by brothers Raúl and Joaquín Saila, Defeder has a portfolio of products of the highest quality and reliability, 100% ecological and giving priority to circular economy, sustainability and eco-viability.
Henko Capital Partners is an independent private equity firm focused on supporting Spanish and Portuguese SMEs in markets with long-term growth trends. The strategy is to work with entrepreneurs and management teams to develop high potential businesses. In partnership with companies, the firm drives strategic initiatives and practical operational improvements. As entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, the firm supports companies to accelerate their growth and transform themselves into more resilient and sustainable businesses. Our team has extensive investment experience and a strong track record of execution with over 30 closed transactions in business services, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications and healthcare. Henko Partners is a responsible investor committed to strict environmental, social and governance principles.
