Triton strengthens strategic focus of COMPO

• Sale of COMPO EXPERT to XIO Group
• COMPO EXPERT has significantly developed its market position under Triton's ownership
• Triton retains ownership of COMPO's CONSUMER business unit
• Strengthen market position in Europe and focus product innovation to provide future growth

 

Frankfurt/ Münster (Germany), 13 March 2015 - Funds advised by Triton strengthen the strategic focus of COMPO through the company's sale of its EXPERT division, one of the leading suppliers of specialty fertilizer products for professional applications, to XIO Group. Triton retains ownership of the consumer business unit COMPO, the European market leader in high-quality specialty home and garden products. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

"Both the CONSUMER and EXPERT business units acted largely independently from each other in the past. The sale of the EXPERT segment allows us to focus on our CONSUMER business where we see further growth opportunities in all European markets due to our strong market position and clear focus on product innovations", said Martin Bertinchamp, Chairman of COMPO.

"Over the last four years, COMPO EXPERT has heavily invested in its geographical expansion. It has also focused on the highest grade specialty fertilizers and plant growth enhancing products. The result is that the company has substantially exceeded the average market growth. We are confident that the business will continue to grow under its new owner. We would like to thank the management team and the employees for their valuable contributions to the company's development", said Peder Prahl, Director of the General Partner for the Triton funds.

"With its ultramodern facility in Krefeld, high-quality product range and strong team, COMPO EXPERT is well-positioned to further benefit from global growth markets, especially in Asia and Latin America. We look forward to develop COMPO EXPERT to its full potential in cooperation with the management team and employees as well as to support the company in its next stage of development", said a XIO Group spokesperson.

Since the acquisition by Triton in 2011, COMPO's management has implemented a number of measures to strengthen the market position of the EXPERT division with the support of its owner. These include: expanding into new countries in Latin and South America; opening its own hub in Asia; and further developing the product portfolio.

"Under Triton's ownership, COMPO CONSUMER has been pursuing a growth strategy with the acquisition of Terrasan in 2012 and has been focused on driving market growth with an increasingly innovative product portfolio", said Andi Klein, responsible Deal Captain of COMPO for the Triton funds."

 

About Triton
The Triton funds invest in and support the positive development of medium-sized businesses headquartered in Northern Europe - with a focus on Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the four Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Within this European region, Triton focuses on businesses in the Industrial, Business Services, and Consumer/Health sectors.

Triton seeks to contribute to the building of better businesses for the longer term. Triton and its executives wish to be agents of positive change towards sustainable operational improvements and growth. The 30 companies currently in Triton's portfolio have combined sales of over €14.5 billion and more than 66,500 employees. The Triton funds are advised by dedicated teams of investment professionals based in Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, Luxembourg and Jersey.

For further information: www.triton-partners.com

 

About XIO Group
XIO Group is a global multi-billion dollar alternative investments firm with offices in London, Hong Kong and Shanghai. The company has a significant amount of committed capital in place for global transactions. The Group seeks to leverage its unique global network to provide growth for portfolio companies.

 

About COMPO CONSUMER
COMPO CONSUMER is one of the leading suppliers of branded goods for home and garden. Its product range includes fertilisers, plant protection products and high-quality potting soils. COMPO CONSUMER employs around 600 people worldwide and has production sites in Münster, Rain am Lech, Gnarrenburg and Uchte as well as two smaller sites in Italy and Northern France.

 

About COMPO EXPERT
COMPO EXPERT offers a broad range of high-quality, innovative special fertilizers for professional users. Its product range encompasses innovative slow-release fertilizers, special mineral fertilizers, coated fertilizers, nutrient salts, liquid fertilizers, trace nutrients as well as soil improvers and plant care products. The company employs around 500 people worldwide.

 

Press contact Triton
Marcus Brans
Tel: +49 69 921 02204
Email: brans.wp@triton-partners.com