Ardabelle Capital announces agreement to acquire a majority stake in Plymag, a key European player in biostimulants and crop nutrition with the support of Sofiprotéol and Capagro

Founded in 1978, the company is renowned for its proprietary know-how and distinctive positioning in the development of seaweed-based agricultural technologies. Over the years, Plymag has built a strong international reputation through its patented natural extraction process, its robust R&D capabilities, and its fully vertically integrated model, from algae harvesting to formulation and final distribution. The company has experienced double digit growth since 2010 and represents a highly attractive platform in the biological crop input space, thanks to its exclusive seaweed technology and high-quality product range (biostimulants, specialized nutrition, biological crop protection), its proven track record of agronomic efficacy and environmental performance, and its well-established footprint across Europe and Latin America, with strong relationships in local agricultural ecosystems.

With commercial operations in over 30 countries and subsidiaries in Portugal, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, Plymag combines scientific excellence, product performance, and sustainability. Its solutions are widely recognized for their contribution to soil health, input efficiency, and climate resilience.

After more than four decades of independent development, the founding family has chosen Ardabelle for the next chapter of expansion and innovation. With Ardabelle’s support, alongside Sofiprotéol and Capagro bringing complementary expertise and networks in the European agri-food value chain with deep potential for Plymag’s biosolutions, Plymag will pursue a series of ambitious growth initiatives, through both organic expansion and global buy-and-build strategy.

Key growth levers include accelerating international expansion, unlocking commercial opportunities, strengthening R&D capabilities, developing a robust scientific data infrastructure, deepening vertical integration. These combined efforts will enable Plymag to expand its green portfolio as high-performance alternative to conventional inputs, helping growers adapt to climate change while maintaining agronomic performance. Plymag’s portfolio is directly aligned with the requirements of regenerative agriculture and with Scope 3 emissions reduction objectives across the agriculture and food value chain. Consequently, Plymag will serve as a cornerstone of a broader biosolutions platform, accelerating the transition towards more resilient, circular, and nature-based models.

Vivianne Akriche, Founding Partner and Head of Investments at Ardabelle Capital, stated:

“Plymag has delivered robust growth through its focus on innovation, particularly in biosolutions, establishing itself as the leading seaweed-based solutions provider in Spain while building growing leadership in international markets beyond Iberia. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our commitment to building European champions in sustainable agriculture we are particularly excited to amplify Plymag’s environmental impact and to support José Luis Montañés and his team. Plymag is a powerful illustration of Ardabelle’s vision: to build a new generation of European industrial champions, grounded in environmental performance, strong local roots, and international reach.”

Tom Espiard-Cignaco, CEO & Managing Director at Capagro, stated:

“Capagro is pleased to join Ardabelle and Sofiprotéol in supporting Plymag’s next phase of growth says Tom Espiard-Cignaco, Capagro’s CEO. With its strong and well-established product portfolio, Plymag reinforces Capagro’s positioning in biosolutions notably aimed at promoting low-carbon agriculture. We look forward to leveraging our relationships with agrifood partners to support Plymag’s development plans and advance Capagro’s mission to foster sustainable agriculture and healthier food.”

Carlos Feliu, Fernando Feliu and Ana Feliu, added:

“As Plymag experiences strong international expansion, we sought a partner who could help Plymag realize its full potential. Ardabelle brings strategic, industrial, and sustainability expertise Plymag needs, along with deep relationships across the agri-food chain opening significant growth opportunities. After more than fifty years building this company, finding a partner who shares Plymag’s culture and truly values what we’ve built together was essential. Ardabelle’s commitment to culture, sustainability, and long-term vision makes them the ideal partner to strengthen our global leadership in an increasingly competitive landscape.”

We are delighted to to support Plymag and its team, as well as to join forces with Ardabelleand Capagro, a key player in the transition to more sustainable agriculture. Thanks to its integrated model, biosolutions offer, geographic coverage and extensive experience, Plymag is perfectly positioned to accelerate its development and provide solutions for resilient and sustainable agriculture. As a long-term investor, Sofiprotéol is committed to supporting the development of companies serving the agricultural, food and environmental transitions.

Luc Ozanne, Co- Head of Investments at Sofiprotéol, stated:

Participants:

• Luc Ozanne, Aristide Lucet, Anne-Sophie Dubourg, Thomas Mouzin et Clémentine de Quercize