Investor Berk Partners and management sell luxury packaging company Aarts Packaging to US listed company TriMas Corporation.

Amsterdam, 2 FEBRUARY 2023 – Investment fund Berk Partners and management have sold all shares of Waalwijk-based Aarts Packaging with effect from 31 January 2023. The buyer is Michigan-based, publicly traded, US-based Trimas Corporation.

Aarts Packaging, founded in 1943, is an innovative manufacturer of plastic packaging, which is sold worldwide in the beauty and luxury markets. With a highly automated and robotised production facility, Aarts produces some 270 million products annually.

US-based Trimas Corporation, listed on NASDAQ, operates globally in consumer, aerospace and industrial products. Trimas’ annual turnover is close to USD 1 billion. Packaging is the largest division in the group, at 60%. Packaging focuses on packaging for beauty & personal care, food & beverage and pharmaceutical products.

Rob Geurtz, managing director, joined Aarts in 2006. In 2019, investment firm Berk Partners joined to support the company’s growth plans and further professionalise the business. Aarts has made great strides since 2019, including an entry into the French market, where Aarts now counts some leading luxury consumer companies among its customers.

Aarts produces high-end caps for cosmetics packaging, among other things. These plastic caps often require a metal or glass look to match the rest of the packaging.

The successful sale to Trimas offers Aarts new growth opportunities. With this acquisition, Trimas strengthens its European position and acquires a high level of automation and robotisation. In addition, through Aarts, Trimas gains an entry into the market where prestigious customers are active.

“The cooperation with Berk Partners has been a conscious choice. Their involvement has enabled us to further internationalise and professionalise the company in recent years. Especially the entry into the French market has been the basis for this successful sale,” said Rob Geurtz.

“Aarts is excited about the fact that we will now become part of the Trimas Corporation. Together with Trimas, we can develop even further and achieve significant synergy in some markets where we are not currently active. Aarts has experienced a very positive development in recent years, both in turnover and results, and with Trimas as the new owner, I expect this growth to continue stronger,” says Geurtz.

“With Aarts we have had a very nice and pleasant cooperation. We have achieved all the growth plans and strategic objectives set at the outset with the company. We foresee nice, further, growth opportunities for Aarts under the Trimas umbrella. This sale is one of the most successful sales Berk Partners has achieved in its 30-year history. We are enormously pleased with this outcome,” said Willem Kamps (Berk Partners).

About Aarts Packaging

For more information: Rob Geurtz (rob.geurtz@aartspackaging.nl) and www.aartspackaging.nl.

About Berk Partners

Berk Partners is an independent investment company founded in 1992. Over the past 30 years, it has invested in dozens of successful medium-sized Dutch companies. Berk Partners originates from Berk Holding, the investment vehicle of Mr Ben Pon, which was founded in the 1970s. After several successful investments made by him, third parties also joined. In the past, Berk Partners invested in, among others, Koninklijke Joh. de Kuyper & Zn. (spirits), (portion) packaging company W. van Oordt & Co, games company Jumbo and Life & Mobility (wheelchair manufacturer).

The current Berk Partners fund is the fifth fund in succession and has fund assets of almost €50 million. Based on past experience, the fund has a preference for investments in the sectors of

• food industry
• innovative manufacturing industry
• healthcare suppliers.

As a committed shareholder, Berk Partners adds value by providing not only capital but also knowledge, a network, entrepreneurship and active support.

Other investee companies are:

• Theha (Harderwijk, 2018), producer of coconut bread
• Molenmaker Techniek (Sneek, 2019), hydraulic cylinders; now sold
• Rivièra Product Decorations (Drachten, 2019) shrink film packaging
• Technotape (Baarn, 2021), sublimation items
• HSU Group (Eindhoven, 2021), specialist cleaning of public transport equipment
• Royal Taste (Soest, 2021), personalised coffee.
• B.S. Holding (Oss, 2022), raised floors.

For more information:

Berk Partners Groei Fonds B.V.

Willem Kamps (kamps@berkpartners.nl or 020 2619 350).

Investor Berk Partners takes a majority stake in PBS in Oss, market leader in raised floors, used in offices, data centers and cleanrooms, among others.

Amsterdam, 22 APRIL 2022 – Berk Partners investment fund has acquired a substantial majority interest in Oss-based PBS (Prefab Construction Systems) as of 21 April 2022. PBS has more than 40 years of experience in the field of raised floors in the Netherlands (also called computer floors, assembly floors or installation floors).

PBS develops, produces and installs raised floor systems

Activity

PBS is the market leader in raised floors in the Netherlands. Raised floors offer several advantages. A raised floor offers space for electricity, data and ventilation facilities. The architectural floor does not have to be finished (wet) first and the raised floors can be used and arranged flexibly.

PBS is active in 6 market segments: offices, data centers, cleanrooms, technical areas, wet areas and grandstand floors. PBS supplies wooden floors, calcium sulphate floors and aluminum floors. The latter are mainly used in high-tech cleanrooms, a fast-growing market in which PBS is well represented.

As a producer, PBS bears responsibility for the environment, in line with the ESG objectives of investment company Berk Partners. PBS therefore closely monitors the development of sustainable, degradable and recycled materials and will -where possible and desired- apply these products and present the various options to customers.

Transaction

The transaction concerns an MBO (management buy-out). As of April 21, 2022, Berk Partners Groeifonds joined as shareholder. The incumbent director, Jos van den Hoven, has also become a shareholder. The former owner, Mr. Ben van der Doelen, will remain a co-shareholder. Jos, together with his team, is the driving force behind PBS and will focus on further expanding the company in the coming years. The focus remains on offering innovative floor systems at home and abroad.

The new co-owner and general manager Jos van den Hoven has a broad background as an entrepreneur in the finishing industry and is looking forward to continuing the operational management of the company. Jos has worked at Van Vonderen BV (finishing and painting) in several roles, including as director-shareholder.

Van den Hoven foresees interesting growth opportunities. “With the involvement of Berk Partners, we can further expand and professionalize internationally and the networks of Berk Partners will also become available for PBS.” said Van den Hoven.

The raised floors of PBS are used in offices, data centers, and cleanrooms, among others

The collaboration with Berk Partners is a conscious choice, according to Ben van der Doelen. “This partnership provides the opportunity for me to fully withdraw from the operation, but to remain involved for advice and strategic issues, supporting Berk Partners to further shape growth. Berk Partners has gained extensive experience with such projects in the past.”

Berk Partners (Rimco Geels):

“PBS fits in well with our investment policy. The innovative manufacturing industry is one of our preferred sectors. PBS is active in an attractive growth market and occupies a leading position there. The incumbent management has a very good track record. With the increasing focus on quality and sustainability in this sector, the role of PBS will only increase.”

About PBS

For more information: Jos van den Hoven (josvandenhoven@PBSholland.com) and www.pbsholland.com.

About Berk Partners private equity

Berk Partners is an independent investment company founded in 1992. Over the past thirty years, investments have been made in dozens of successful medium-sized Dutch companies. Berk Partners originated from Berk Holding, the investment vehicle of Mr Ben Pon, which was founded in the 1970s. After a few successful investments by him, third parties also joined. Berk Partners has in the past invested in Koninklijke Joh. de Kuyper & Zn. (distilled drinks), (portion) packaging company W. van Oordt & Co, games company Jumbo and Life & Mobility (manufacturer of wheelchairs).

The current Berk Partners fund is the fifth fund in succession and has fund assets of almost €50 million. Based on past experience, the fund has a preference for investments in the Food Industry, Innovative Manufacturing and Healthcare Supplier sectors. As an involved shareholder, Berk Partners adds value by making knowledge, a network, entrepreneurship and active support available in addition to capital. In 2018, the 5th Berk fund made its first investment. Berk Partners acquired a majority stake in the Harderwijk company Theha, the world’s only producer of coconut bread. On 21 February 2019, an interest was acquired in Molenmaker Techniek (MTS), based in Sneek. MTS produces and maintains hydraulic systems for civil engineering. On April 18, 2019, an interest was acquired in Rivièra Product Decorations (RPD). RPD is specialized in applying shrink-wrapped packaging. Berk Partners invested in Aarts Packaging in Waalwijk in December 2019. Aarts is a producer of packaging for the personal care and food industry. In April 2021, a participation was realized in Technotape Baarn, supplier of products for high-quality printing of photos (sublimation) on a multitude of articles. Berk Partners invested in HSU Groep in October 2021. HSU focuses on preparing and cleaning public transport equipment and on specialist cleaning. In October 2021, a participating interest was realized in Royal Taste Company in Soest. Royal Taste is a developer and producer of personalized coffee.

ESG Policy

Berk Partners gives ESG considerations an important place in the selection of investment propositions and the management of its participations. ESG stands for ‘Environmental, Social & Governance’ and means that factors such as energy consumption, climate, availability of raw materials, health, safety and good corporate governance are explicitly taken into account when choosing to invest in a company.

For more information:
Berk Partners Growth Fund B.V.
Willem Kamps (kamps@berkpartners.nl or 020 2619 350).

Investor Berk Partners private equity takes an interest in coffee company Royal Taste Company in Soest. Royal Taste focuses on the composition, roasting, packaging and distribution of personalized coffee blends.

Amsterdam, OCTOBER 26, 2021 – Investment fund Berk Partners has acquired an interest in the Royal Taste Company, based in Soest, as of October 26, 2021. Royal Taste focuses on the composition, roasting, packaging and distribution of personalized coffee blends. The services go beyond the blending of coffee, Royal Taste creates and delivers the complete coffee experience according to the customer’s wishes. The blend, certificates, by-products, packaging, appearance and market strategy play an important role here.

Royal Taste provides total concepts for the development of a personalized coffee blend

Activity

Royal Taste Company is the specialist in the field of producing and supplying personalized coffee blends. In consultation with the customer, unique blends are made from 90 different coffee beans with different roasting times and temperatures. Royal Taste carries over 140 different tailor-made blends and about 20 blends from its own range. In addition to the personalized blends, instant coffee and by-products such as milk powder, cocoa and creamer sticks are also offered. The customer group consists of companies, catering and intermediaries.

The market for high-quality, personalized specialty coffee is growing. The frequency with which people drink coffee outside and the increasing variation in the method of preparation of coffee are increasing the demand for high-quality coffee. Europe has traditionally been an important market for coffee roasters. However, an additional growth spurt is taking place in the Netherlands and Belgium.
The market share of private label brands in Europe is growing. Partly due to the Covid-19 crisis, consumers are asking for products with a better price-quality ratio. Private label brands can comply with this. The developments in the coffee and private label market give Royal Taste Company an ideal starting point to benefit from further growth.
In the field of ESG, Royal Taste takes its responsibility by contributing to sustainability in the sector. Royal Taste has various certificates that support this sustainability and increase transparency in the sector.

Transaction

The transaction is a pre-exit. As of October 26, 2021, Berk Partners Groeifonds joined as a minority shareholder. The current owners and directors Edwin van Barreveld and Rolf Hoksbergen will continue to be the driving force behind Royal Taste after the transaction and will focus on further expanding the company in the coming years. Both entrepreneurs are known as driven managers and capable directors with a great deal of knowledge of the niche in which Royal Taste is active.

 

Edwin van Barreveld foresees interesting growth opportunities. “With the involvement of Berk Partners, we can further expand and professionalize internationally and the networks of Berk Partners will also become available for Royal Taste.” according to van Barreveld.

The collaboration with Berk Partners is a conscious choice, says Rolf Hoksbergen. “This partnership gives us the opportunity to further focus on commerce and growing the business, supporting Berk Partners to shape further growth. Berk Partners has gained a lot of experience in the past with growing companies.”

“Royal Taste fits in well with our investment policy. The food industry is one of our preferred sectors. Royal Taste is active in an attractive growth market and occupies a leading position there. The current management has a very good track record. With the increasing focus on quality in this sector, the role of Royal Taste will only increase.” said Willem Kamps (Berk Partners).

About Royal Taste Company B.V.

For more information: Rolf Hoksbergen (rolf@royaltaste.nl) and Edwin van Barreveld (edwin@royaltaste.nl) and www.royaltaste.nl

About Berk Partners private equity

Berk Partners is an independent investment company founded in 1992. Over the past thirty years, investments have been made in dozens of successful medium-sized Dutch companies. Berk Partners originated from Berk Holding, the investment vehicle of Mr Ben Pon, which was founded in the 1970s. After a few successful investments by him, third parties also joined. Berk Partners has in the past invested in Koninklijke Joh. de Kuyper & Zn. (distilled drinks), (portion) packaging company W. van Oordt & Co, games company Jumbo and Life & Mobility (manufacturer of wheelchairs).

The current Berk Partners fund is the fifth fund in succession and has fund assets of almost €50 million. Based on past experience, the fund has a preference for investments in the Food Industry, Innovative Manufacturing and Healthcare Supplier sectors. As an involved shareholder, Berk Partners adds value by making knowledge, a network, entrepreneurship and active support available in addition to capital. In 2018, the 5th Berk fund made its first investment. Berk Partners acquired a majority stake in the Harderwijk company Theha, the world’s only producer of coconut bread. On 21 February 2019, an interest was acquired in Molenmaker Techniek (MTS), based in Sneek. MTS produces and maintains hydraulic systems for civil engineering. On April 18, 2019, an interest was acquired in Rivièra Product Decorations (RPD). RPD is specialized in applying shrink-wrapped packaging. Berk Partners invested in Aarts Packaging in Waalwijk in December 2019. Aarts is a producer of packaging for the personal care and food industry. In April 2021, a participation was realized in Technotape Baarn, supplier of products for high-quality printing of photos (sublimation) on a multitude of articles. Berk Partners invested in HSU Groep in October 2021. HSU focuses on preparing and cleaning public transport equipment and on specialist cleaning.

ESG-beleid

Berk Partners geeft ESG-overwegingen bij de selectie van investeringsproposities en het beheer van haar deelnemingen een belangrijke plaats. ESG staat voor ‘Environmental, Social & Governance’ en houdt in dat factoren als energieverbruik, klimaat, beschikbaarheid van grondstoffen, gezondheid, veiligheid en goed ondernemingsbestuur nadrukkelijk worden meegewogen bij de keuze om in een bedrijf te investeren.

Voor meer informatie:
Berk Partners Groeifonds B.V.
Willem Kamps (kamps@berkpartners.nl of 020 2619 350).

 

Private equity investor Berk Partners acquires an interest in cleaning specialist HSU in Eindhoven. HSU focuses on preparing public transport buses and coaches, cleaning trains and other specialist cleaning projects.

Amsterdam, 7 JULY 2021 – Investment fund Berk Partners has acquired a substantial interest in HSU Groep BV, based in Eindhoven, as of 30 June 2021. HSU focuses on the preparation and cleaning of public transport vehicles and on specialist cleaning, such as graffiti removal, road surface cleaning and façade cleaning. The services go beyond just cleaning the public transport buses. HSU takes care of refuelling, shunting and changing fluids for the buses, among other things, aiming to relieve the public transport operators of all their worries.

HSU provides a full service for public transport operators by not only cleaning public transport buses, but also providing refuelling and shunting services.

Activities

HSU is the specialist in the field of relieving public transport operators with an extensive experienced network of cleaners. The buses are refuelled, cleaned and shunted outside of the timetable. This enables the public transport operator to guarantee clean and punctual buses. If necessary, the buses and trains are also cleaned during the timetable. For HSU, this high-quality service has resulted in long-term partnerships with various public transport providers throughout the Netherlands.

The use of public transport is on the rise in the Netherlands, with the exception of the Covid-19 period, which means there is a growing demand for cleaning. HSU serves about half of all regional public transport in the Netherlands and is growing in service offering and in the number of public transport concessions that it serves. Despite Covid-19 and the cancellation of public transport lines, the company has continued to grow as the need for hygiene has increased.
HSU bears its responsibility for the environment in line with the ESG objectives of investment company Berk Partners. HSU uses cleaning products that spare the environment and HSU is a licensed training company for maximum commitment to its employees. HSU therefore closely follows the development of sustainable, biodegradable and recycled materials and will – wherever possible and desirable – use these products and present the various options to customers.

Transaction

The transaction is a pre-exit. As of 30 June 2021 Berk Partners Groeifonds has joined as a shareholder. Current owners and directors Sertan Urganci and Hüseyin Taskent will continue to be the driving force behind HSU after the transaction and will focus on further expanding the company in the coming years. Both entrepreneurs are known as very driven managers and capable directors with extensive knowledge of the niche in which HSU operates.

Sertan Urganci foresees interesting growth opportunities. “With the involvement of Berk Partners we can expand further internationally, professionalise and the networks of Berk Partners will become available to HSU. Urganci says.

 

The collaboration with Berk Partners is a conscious choice, says Hüseyin Taskent. “This cooperation offers us the opportunity to further concentrate on the commercial side and to build on the company’s potential, whereby Berk Partners will support us in further shaping growth. Berk Partners has a lot of experience with growing companies in the past.”

Berk Partners (Willem Kamps):
“HSU fits well with our investment policy. HSU operates in an attractive growth market and takes a leading position in it. The incumbent management has a very good track record. With the increasing focus on quality in this sector, HSU’s role will only increase.”

 

About HSU B.V.
For more information: Sertan Urganci (surganci@hsu-facility.nl) and Hüseyin Taskent (htaskent@hsu-facility.nl) and www.hsu-facility.nl

About Berk Partners private equity

Berk Partners is an independent investment company founded in 1992. In the past thirty years investments have been made in dozens of successful medium-sized Dutch enterprises. Berk Partners evolved from Berk Holding, the investment vehicle of Mr Ben Pon, which was founded in the 1970s. After a number of successful investments made by him, third parties joined as well. In the past, Berk Partners invested in Koninklijke Joh. de Kuyper & Zn. (distilled drinks), (portion) packaging company W. van Oordt & Co, games company Jumbo and Life & Mobility (producer of wheelchairs), among others.

The current Berk Partners fund is the fifth fund in succession and has a fund capital of almost € 50 million. Based on past experience, the fund has a preference for investments in the sectors Food Industry, Innovative Manufacturing Industry and Supplier to the Health Care Sector. As a committed shareholder, Berk Partners adds value by making knowledge, a network, entrepreneurship and active support available in addition to capital. In 2018 the 5th Berk Fund realised its first investment. In the Harderwijk-based company Theha, the world’s only producer of coconut bread, Berk Partners acquired a majority interest. On 21 February 2019 an interest was acquired in Sneek-based Molenmaker Techniek (MTS). MTS produces and maintains hydraulic systems for the civil engineering industry. On 18 April 2019, an interest was acquired in Rivièra Product Decorations (RPD). RPD specialises in the application of shrink film packaging. Berk Partners invested in Aarts Packaging in Waalwijk in December 2019. Aarts is a producer of packaging for the personal care and food industries. In April 2021 a participation was realised in Technotape Baarn, supplier of products for high-quality printing of photos (sublimation) on a variety of articles.

ESG policy
Berk Partners gives ESG considerations an important place in the selection of investment propositions and the management of its participations. ESG stands for ‘Environmental, Social & Governance’ and means that factors such as energy consumption, climate, availability of raw materials, health, safety and good corporate governance are explicitly considered in the choice to invest in a company.

For more information:

Berk Partners Groeifonds B.V.
Willem Kamps (kamps@berkpartners.nl or 020 2619 350).

 

Investor Berk Partners private equity acquires a stake in Technotape from Baarn, an international supplier of products for high-quality printing (sublimation) of photos on a variety of articles.

Amsterdam, May 3, 2021 – Investment fund Berk Partners has acquired a substantial interest in the Baarn-based company Technotape BV as of April 30, 2021. Technotape specializes in everything related to personalized sublimation. Sublimation is the technique that makes it possible to make photo-realistic prints. The goods that the company offers include: products on which the printing (sublimation) takes place (such as mugs, puzzles and phone cases), but also printing equipment and printing supplies.

Technotape supplies and produces supplies to print products such as mugs, puzzles, bags or phone cases with photo-realistic quality (sublimation)

Activity
Technotape is the specialist in the field of unburdening (online) shops with individualized products for private (end)customers and knows how to distinguish itself as a supplier through quality, reliability and a broad product range. Technotape sells its products worldwide. Customers include photo processing companies, online retailers that sell personalized products and distributors with a high volume.

In the broader market of personalization of products, sublimation (photorealistic printing) has grown steadily in recent years and has become an important niche market. This growth is expected to continue in the coming years. The corona crisis has had a positive effect on the demand for Technotape’s products.

As a producer, Technotape bears responsibility for the environment, in line with the ESG objectives of investment company Berk Partners. Technotape therefore closely follows the development of sustainable, biodegradable and recycled materials and will – where possible and desired – apply these products and present the various options to customers.

Transaction
The transaction is a combination of an MBI (management buy-in) and a pre-exit. Berk Partners Groeifonds joined as a shareholder on April 30, 2021. Mr. Patrick van Styrum has joined as a new shareholder and director and the current owner, Mr. Bonne Klein Woolthuis, will remain co-shareholder and director. Together they form the driving force behind Technotape and will focus on the further development of Technotape in the coming years. The focus remains on offering sublimation products.

New co-owner and CEO Patrick van Styrum has a broad background in FMCG and promotional gifts and is looking forward to taking over the operational leadership of the company. Patrick has worked at Heineken, among others, and has previously been the founder / owner of a company in relation articles.

Van Styrum foresees interesting growth opportunities. “With the involvement of Berk Partners, we can further expand internationally, professionalize and the networks of Berk Partners are also available for Technotape.” says Van Styrum.

“The collaboration with Berk Partners is a conscious choice,” says Bonne Klein Woolthuis. “This collaboration offers the opportunity to further concentrate on commerce and building the technical capabilities of the company, whereby Berk will support Partners in further shaping the growth. Berk Partners has gained a lot of experience with such projects in the past. ”

Berk Partners (Rimco Geels):
“Technotape fits in well with our investment policy. The innovative manufacturing industry is one of our preferred sectors. Technotape is active in an attractive growth market and occupies a leading position there. The new and current management have a very good track record. With the increasing focus on quality in this sector, the role of Technotape will only increase. ”

 

About TechnoTape B.V.
For more information: Patrick van Styrum (p.vanstyrum@technotape.com) and www.technotape.com.

About Berk Partners private equity
Berk Partners is an independent investment company founded in 1992. Over the past thirty years, investments have been made in dozens of successful medium-sized Dutch companies. Berk Partners stems from Berk Holding, the investment vehicle of Mr Ben Pon, founded in the 1970s. After several successful investments, third parties also joined. Berk Partners has invested in, among other things, Royal Joh. de Kuyper & Zn. (spirits), (portion) packaging company W. van Oordt & Co, games company Jumbo and Life & Mobility (manufacturer of wheelchairs).

The current Berk Partners fund is the fifth fund in succession and has assets of almost € 50 million. Based on past experience, the fund has a preference for investments in the food industry, innovative manufacturing industry and healthcare supplier. As a committed shareholder, Berk Partners adds value by making knowledge, a network, entrepreneurship and active support available in addition to capital. The 5th Berk fund realized its first investment in 2018. Berk Partners acquired a majority stake in the Harderwijk company Theha B.V., the only producer of coconut bread in the world. On February 21, 2019, an interest was acquired in Molenmaker Techniek (MTS), located in Sneek. MTS produces and maintains hydraulic systems for Road and Hydraulic Engineering. An interest in Rivièra Product Decorations (RPD) was acquired on April 18, 2019. RPD is specialized in the application of shrink-wrap packaging. Berk Partners invested in Aarts Packaging in Waalwijk in December 2019. Aarts is a producer of packaging for the personal care and food industry.

ESG policy
Berk Partners gives ESG considerations an important place in the selection of investment propositions and the management of its holdings. ESG stands for “Environmental, Social & Governance” and means that factors such as energy consumption, climate, availability of raw materials, health, safety and good corporate governance are explicitly taken into account when choosing to invest in a company.

For more information:
Berk Partners Groeifonds B.V.
Willem Kamps (kamps@berkpartners.nl or 020 2619 350).

 

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Investor Berk Partners takes an interest in Aarts Plastics in Waalwijk, producer of packaging for the personal care and food industry.

Berk Partners has acquired a substantial interest in the Waalwijk-based company Aarts Plastics BV (Aarts) as of December 3, 2019. Aarts is specialized in the injection molding of plastic packaging, particularly for the cosmetics industry, the food industry and the pharmaceutical industry.

Aarts produces high-end caps for, among other things, cosmetic packaging. These plastic caps often need to have a metal or glass look to match the rest of the packaging.

Activity

Aarts is the specialist in the field of complex, high-end plastic packaging and serves many large and small customers at home and abroad. Aarts mainly focuses on projects in the cosmetics industry, but also has customers in the food and non-food industry.

As a packaging manufacturer, Aarts bears responsibility for the environment, in line with Berk Partners’ ESG objectives. Aarts therefore meticulously follows the development of sustainable, biodegradable and recycled materials and will – if possible and desired – apply these products and present the various options to customers.

Transactie

De transactie betreft een zogenaamde pre-exit. Per 3 december is Berk Partners Groeifonds toegetreden als aandeelhouder. De zittende directeur Rob Geurtz blijft mede-aandeelhouder en de drijvende kracht achter Aarts.

Rob Geurtz en Berk Partners zullen zich de komende jaren samen richten op het verder uitbouwen van  Aarts Plastics, zowel binnen als buiten de landsgrenzen. De focus blijft liggen op het spuitgieten en nabewerken van high-end kunststof verpakkingen.

Geurtz voorziet interessante groeimogelijkheden. “Met de betrokkenheid van Berk Partners kunnen we blijven investeren in de technische capaciteiten van Aarts en worden ook de netwerken van Berk Partners voor Aarts beschikbaar.” aldus Geurtz.

De samenwerking met Berk Partners is een bewuste keuze, aldus Geurtz. “Deze samenwerking biedt de mogelijkheid mij verder te concentreren op de commercie en het bouwen aan het bedrijf, waarbij Berk Partners zal ondersteunen om de organisatie verder vorm te geven en te professionaliseren. Berk Partners heeft in het verleden veel ervaring opgedaan met dergelijke projecten.”

Berk Partners (Willem Kamps):“Aarts sluit goed aan bij ons investeringsbeleid. De innovatieve maakindustrie is een van onze voorkeurssectoren. Aarts is actief in een aantrekkelijke groeimarkt en neemt daar een vooraanstaande positie in. Het zittende management heeft een zeer goed trackrecord. Met de toenemende focus op kwaliteit en nabewerking in deze sector zal de rol van Aarts alleen maar toenemen.”

Transaction

The transaction is a so-called pre-exit. Berk Partners Groeifonds became a shareholder on the third of December. The incumbent director Rob Geurtz remains co-shareholder and the driving force behind Aarts.

In the coming years, Rob Geurtz and Berk Partners will jointly focus on further expansion of Aarts Plastics, both within and beyond the country borders. The focus remains on the injection molding and finishing of high-end plastic packaging.

Geurtz foresees interesting growth opportunities. “With the involvement of Berk Partners, we can continue to invest in Aarts’ technical capabilities and Berk Partners’ network will also become available to Aarts.” says Geurtz.

The collaboration with Berk Partners is a conscious decision, says Geurtz. “This collaboration offers the opportunity to further concentrate on commerce and scaling the company, whereby Berk Partners will support in further shaping and professionalizing the organization. Berk Partners has gained a lot of experience with similar projects in the past. ”

Berk Partners (Willem Kamps): “Aarts fits in well with our investment policy. The innovative manufacturing industry is one of our preferred sectors. Aarts is active in an attractive growth market and occupies a leading position. The incumbent management has a very good track record. With the increasing focus on quality and post-processing in this sector, Aarts’ role will only increase. ”

 

 

On 18 April 2019, Berk Partners acquired a substantial majority interest in Rivièra Product Decorations BV (Rivièra), based in Drachten. Rivièra specializes in sleeving, applying a printed foil, glass, plastic or metal packaging.

Activity
Since its foundation in 2002, Rivièra has developed into the sleeve specialist in Europe and serves many large and small customers at home and abroad. Rivièra focuses primarily on projects in the cosmetics and drinks industries, but also has customers in the food and non-food industries.

A sleeve provides more design space and possibilities to combine different target groups and possibly language variants than a label. A sleeve takes the shape of the package completely, where alternatives such as direct printing on the package and labeling have limitations.

As a packaging producer, Rivièra, bears responsibility for the environment, in line with the ESG objectives of Berk Partners. Rivièra therefore closely follows the development of sustainable, degradable materials and will – where possible and desirable – apply these products and present the various options. The compostable films are slowly gaining ground. Customers can promote waste separation by opting for a perforation, with which the consumer can easily separate foil and packaging for recycling.

Transaction
The transaction concerns a so-called Management Buy Out (MBO). From 18 April 2019 Rivièra Product Decorations BV (Rivièra) was taken over by the current management team, Johan Holtrust and Frans Rienks with the help of Berk Partners as a financial party.

Johan Holtrust has more than 14 years of experience within Rivièra and retains the operational management of the company. With more than 10 years of experience within Rivièra, Frans Rienks will continue to focus unchanged on commerce and marketing.

Management foresees interesting growth opportunities. “With the involvement of Berk Partners we can realize our plans, making full use of the management support and networks of Berk Partners,” said Johan and Frans.

The sale to current management is a deliberate choice, according to former owner Fred Sterk. “Johan and Frans have played an important role in the success of Rivièra. I enjoyed building the company together with them and I am proud that Johan and Frans will now continue it and let it grow according to their own insight. I wish for them, all other employees and our customers, that they can continue to operate independently and based on the same norms and values. ”

Former owner Fred Sterk resigns as director, but remains involved in the background as a member of the RVC.

Rivièra (Frans Rienks):
“When the opportunity arose to take over the company, Johan and I saw an opportunity that we had to seize with both hands. We greatly appreciate that the former owner Fred Sterk has given us this opportunity.”

Berk Partners (Willem Kamps):
“A company like Rivièra fits very well with our investment policy. The innovative manufacturing industry is one of our preferred sectors. Rivièra is active in a demonstrable growth market in which it occupies a leading position. The current management has a very good track record. We are happy to be able to acquire a stake in such a company and to take the company to a higher level together with management. ”

As at 15 February 2019, Berk Partners acquired a substantial minority interest in Molenmaker Techniek, a company established in Sneek. Molenmaker Techniek designs, produces and maintains hydraulic systems, in particular for civil engineering.

Background and activitiest
Molenmaker Techniek was founded in 2005 by Otbert Molenmaker and has grown into a leading company in its market in 15 years. The company focuses on designing, creating and maintaining hydraulic systems in the broadest sense of the word. This includes bridge and lock controls, special cylinders, aggregates and ship’s hydraulics. In addition, the design and production of special machines for production automation is also an activity of the company. The systems are supplied with or without electrical controls at the customer’s request.

Market
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management announced last year that it is launching a project for major maintenance on various bridges, locks and tunnels – which date from the 1950s and 1960s. Failures and disruptions cause disruption, traffic jams and economic damage. The impact of this is increasing due to the growth of mobility. The ministry will rejuvenate and renew old bridges and locks, focusing on the application of innovative techniques so that signals of possible defects arrive earlier. Given the size of the maintenance task, from 2020 onwards the ministry will allocate 350 million euros for the refurbishment instead of the current 150 million euros per year.

Given the strong position of Molenmaker Techniek in this market, a part of the projects mentioned above can be obtained by Molenmaker Techniek.

Transaction
The transaction concerns a so-called pre-exit. Otbert Molenmaker remains director / owner and Berk Partners acquires a substantial minority interest. Molenmaker foresees interesting growth opportunities in the market, both organically and via buy-and-build. Berk Partners wants to realize these growth opportunities together with Otbert Molenmaker and jointly sell Molenmaker Techniek to a strategic party in approximately 5 years.

On April 25, 2018, Theha BV, producer of the well-known coconut bread slices and coconut cubes, was taken over by the management team, Gijs Kakebeeke and René Jansen, with Berk Partners as financial sponsor. Former owner Bram Theunisse takes a step back and remains involved in the background as a shareholder.

The family business Theha b.v. makes coconut products since 1954. Bram Theunisse, the third generation of this coconut bread bakery family, grew up with the company and its products. In the 18 years that he was at the helm, the production activities have moved to a modern production location and he has managed to create strong growth with innovative product concepts without losing sight of grandpa’s old-fashioned tasty recipes.

After this intensive and successful period, he chose to transfer the company to Berk Partners, Kakebeeke and Jansen. They have the desire and the ambition to further develop the proven success formula with the right knowledge and new energy. This includes the further development of export and a greater focus on plant and health, with no added sugars.

The new CEO Kakebeeke has a broad background in the food industry and is looking forward to taking over the operational management of the company. Jansen, with his 13 years of experience within the company, will continue to focus on commerce, development and quality in order to realize the growth. Bram Theunisse remains involved as an advisor.

About Theha & her products

Theha is the specialist in creamy coconut products for bread, with meals or as a snack.

At Theha the coconut bread for on a sandwich is prepared. Who did not grow up with it? Easily put on a sandwich in the best colors and delicacies, without crumbling! Available in different variants, including fiber-rich, gluten-free, vegan, organic and kosher. All prepared with the tastiest coconut from Southeast Asia.

Theha also produces different varieties of tasty, soft coconut cubes that are successfully sold as a snack and are used, among other things, as an ingredient for nut mixes and granola’s, as an interior for chocolate dragees and as a decoration for cakes and pies.

In the modern production facility in Harderwijk, the production processes are carried out in a food-safe, efficient and largely traditional manner in order to give optimal taste and smoothness to the products.

Theha has an annual turnover of around € 5 million with twenty employees.

For further information, please contact:

Theha b.v.
Dhr. Gijs Kakebeeke
Nobelstraat 2
3846 CG Harderwijk
info@theha.nl
Tel.: +31 (0)341 – 41 28 60
www.kokosbrood.nl