Rabo Capital, a division of Rabo Private Equity, has acquired a majority stake in Unicorn Grain Specialties. The company reached agreement with Nimbus hands-on Investors and ING Corporate Investments regarding the acquisition of all shares. The current management will also participate in this transaction. The transaction, which is still subject to the approval of the Dutch competition authorities, is scheduled to be finalised within the next few months. Unicorn Grain Specialties Holding B.V. will serve as the new parent company of the production site and the sales offices in Weert, the Netherlands and Greven, Germany. Unicorn is a leading and innovative producer of a wide product portfolio comprised primarily of functional and special ingredients based on grains such as maize and wheat for people, animals and the environment. Unicorn’s strategy is founded on innovation, operational improvement and growth. Unicorn has further refined its strategy since leaving the Meneba Group in mid-2011 to become an independent entity. Nimbus, which specialises in such corporate carve-out transactions, was instrumental in the successful transaction. The new partnership with Rabo Capital will support the company’s current successful strategy and goals. The Unicorn management is delighted to be partnering with Rabo Capital. Pieter Spanjers, CEO of Unicorn Grain Specialties: ‘Rabo Capital’s profile as a Rabobank company is a perfect fit for our company and its vision. Rabo Capital is a solid financial partner, whose international network in food and agribusiness will prove invaluable in helping us to achieve our national and international objectives. This partnership will provide the impetus for us to achieve our growth targets and further expand as a company. We know that the expertise of Rabo Capital and its network will be one of the driving forces behind this growth.” Gregor Beusmans, Director at Rabo Capital, believes in the Unicorn strategy and is excited about the new addition to his company’s investment portfolio: “Unicorn has a strong international focus and offers a solid brand, which is extremely diversified in a variety of areas, including product range, ingredients, suppliers and customer base. We are impressed by the carve-out transaction completed by the management team and Nimbus, and the way the company has grown and thrived ever since. We firmly believe that, with support from Rabo Capital, this management team will be able to further fulfil its growth potential.”