COFRA acquires Dutch greenhouse constructor Dalsem

AppHarvest’s Morehead, Kentucky hig tech greenhouse designed, manufactured and installed by Dalsem.

ZUG, Switzerland:  COFRA Holding (“COFRA”) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Dalsem, a leading developer of complete, high-tech greenhouse projects worldwide. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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 per cent 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 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.”