Lemken acquires seeding technology company Equalizer
Lemken has acquired South African-based Equalizer, which will expand Lemken’s product portfolio in seeding technology.
With a focus on minimal ground disturbance to no-till farming, the Equalizer product range includes precision planters with up to 36 rows and seed drills with a working width of up to 24 metres.
The acquisition is expected to be completed by spring 2023, once regulatory approvals have been obtained.
Lemken stated the Equalizer portfolio complements the Lemken seed drill segment and constitutes an important building block for further growth. An additional, optimal synergy arises for Lemken precision seeding technology, as the Delta-Row technology developed by Lemken is complemented by single-row technology established by Equalizer.
“There is no overlap in our portfolios,” said Anthony van der Ley, Lemken CEO. “Equalizer offers solutions for customers and markets that Lemken has not been able to serve so far. In terms of our growth strategy, the Equalizer planters and seeders – also in combination with air carts – close a current gap in our product range.”
Equalizer, which is also a family business, was founded in Cape Town in 2000 and currently employs 180 people. The company serves not only its South African home market, where it is the market leader in precision seeding, but also Australia as its most important export market.
Lemken plans on expanding the South African site together with Equalizer. The first definite project is the expansion of spare parts logistics in 2023. Equalizer will continue to be led as an independent subsidiary by its current management, and the brand name will be preserved, along with all of Equalizer’s experienced local staff. Lemken will contribute its development, production and sales expertise to support Equalizer’s future.
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