Agriculture Acquisitions in Wisconsin

CVC Capital Partners (Fund IX) will take a minority stake in URUS Group to support and accelerate the company’s strategic growth plan. The investment — made alongside existing shareholders Pon Holdings and Cooperative Resources International (CRI) — will help URUS expand its genetics, reproduction and farm management data platform; the deal is expected to close in Q3 2024 and terms were not disclosed.

Benford Capital Partners has acquired Animix, LLC, a Juneau, Wisconsin–based supplier of water-dispersible premixes, supplements and ingredients for the calf milk replacer and animal feed markets. The company was sold by retiring owner Janusz Sowinski; Animix management (President Ronelle Blome and Dave Wood) invested alongside Benford and will continue to lead the business as Benford pursues organic growth and add-on acquisitions.

Benford Capital Partners portfolio company Nutrition Service Company (NSC) completed two add-on acquisitions: Echo Ridge Ag Services, LLC and Kress Farm Supply, Inc. (d/b/a Sherwood Elevator). The transactions expand NSC's dairy nutrition capabilities, customer base across Wisconsin, and feed production and grain storage capacity while providing an exit path for the Kress family.

Chicago-based private equity firm Benford Capital Partners completed a recapitalization of Nutrition Service Company, a Pulaski, Wisconsin-based producer of custom dairy cattle feed blends and processed soybean products. Benford will partner with NSC management (CEO Robert Block and CFO Paul Harke) to fund organic growth, invest in manufacturing and sales capabilities, and pursue add-on acquisitions as NSC becomes a platform investment for the firm.

Midwestern BioAg Holdings LLC, a special purpose acquisition vehicle formed by Skyline Global Partners, has acquired Midwestern BioAg Inc. and provided significant additional capital. Michael Birger was named President and CEO as the company transitions ownership to support growth and expand its sustainable biological agriculture offerings.