H2 Equity Partners (“H2”) has acquired a controlling stake in Klaas Puul, a Dutch shrimp processing business. Parties have reached an agreement in which H2 will become the majority shareholder with the remaining equity split between the founding Mooijer family and management.
Klaas Puul will execute its growth strategy with its new leadership team consisting of Maiko van der Meer (CEO) and Sander van den Berg (CFO). The focus will be on international expansion, new product development and improving the company’s operational performance.
Commenting on the transaction, Evert Mooijer, the current owner of Klaas Puul, said: “Klaas Puul has a lot of untapped potential, but there are no successors within the family. Together with H2 we want to realise this potential and position ourselves as an even better partner to our customers, suppliers and employees.”
Maiko van der Meer, the new CEO of Klaas Puul, commented:
“I am looking forward to working at Klaas Puul with Sander van den Berg and the wider the team. Together we will continue to grow the company whilst retaining its distinctive and sustainable product offering for our customers.”
Rutger Jan Vlek, Investment Director at H2, commented:
“Klaas Puul has a strong market position and a lot of operational improvement and growth potential. Together with the Mooijer family, the management and all of the employees, we will realise this potential. Working with a founding family, to reinforce and grow their business by providing capital and active support, is a typical investment for H2.”
About Klaas Puul
Klaas Puul is a leading shrimp processor with headquarters in Volendam, the Netherlands and production sites in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark and Morocco. The company was founded in 1968 and over the past 50 years the Mooijer family has overseen its successful expansion. Klaas Puul is known for its high quality products, broad product range and excellent service levels. In 2015, the company had c.3500 employees and generated sales of almost € 200 million. For more information please visit: www.klaaspuul.com
