Agile Capital, alongside existing shareholders, will be exiting the Aquatico Group (‘Aquatico’) while ensuring continued growth for the business. Agile Capital has routinely achieved considerable returns by establishing mutually beneficial long-term partnerships in businesses that have carved a specialised niche for themselves and excelled in their fields.
Agile Capital, a private equity business in partnership with RMB Corvest, acquired a significant holding in Aquatico in March 2012.
Aquatico is an environmental monitoring, testing and reporting group which services a range of sectors, with a key focus in mining. Services include the sampling and analysing of water from mining operations, groundwater, dams, and other sources. The business plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of South Africa’s water quality. Founded in 1999, Aquatico has subsequently grown into a leading environmental monitoring service provider that offers cutting-edge technology and innovation to an extensive customer base.
Tshego Sefolo, CEO: Agile Capital, said that Agile Capital invests in established businesses with proven track records. “We focus on creating long-term profitable partnerships that are both stable and supportive and by partnering with the management team, we facilitated the creation of a significant business in the Testing, Inspection and Compliance (“TIC”) industry in South Africa.”
The business is led by an impressive management team and has strong growth prospects. Aquatico’s founder and chief executive Ryno Erdmann says: “Having successfully worked with Agile, we look forward to working with our new owners in identifying further areas for growth and continuing to extract value from the solid platform established by the existing management team and exiting shareholders.”
“We are proud to have partnered with Aquatico and Agile on this journey – another milestone in our long history of supporting founders and entrepreneurs in building significant business. This exit reflects the shared success that comes from driving growth alongside visionary entrepreneurs,” says Matsebe Thulare, executive: RMB Corvest.
Bidvest was attracted by Aquatico’s market-leading position and its ability to provide customers with a comprehensive range of scientific reporting and other solutions, particularly in the water segment. The exit of Agile Capital and partners, allows for the business to continue to thrive, whilst realising a significant return for all parties.
“Thirteen years after our initial investment the business has expanded onto the rest of the continent and seen an increase in walk-in clients which has contributed to remarkable growth. We extend our gratitude to the management team, particularly Ryno Erdman, Paul Naude and the broader EXCO team, for their invaluable partnership and commitment,” concludes Sefolo.
