Mentha Capital, an independent investment firm focused on smaller midsize companies in the Benelux, has supported the management of the Venko Groep B.V. (‘Venko’) in a management buyout. Venko is a leading player in the field of specialised metal preservation. The company mainly services customers in the offshore, utilities and infrastructure industries. Mentha Capital has become a majority shareholder in Venko and will support management in the ongoing development and continuing growth of the business.

Venko was founded in 1975 and has its headquarters in Hoogeveen, with other branches in Arnhem, Hoogezand, Den Helder and Kortmark (B). The business employs more than 350 people in peak season and focuses on specialised metal preservation. Venko serves tier-1 customers such as Shell, Tennet, Rijkswaterstaat, Gasunie and the Royal Dutch Navy. With a long history of steady and profitable growth, the business now has a leading position in the Dutch market for metal preservation, fabric maintenance and specialised paintwork. Venko’s management team has vast experience in the industries in which Venko operates and has decided to partner with Mentha Capital to take Venko to the next level of business expansion.

Mentha Capital partner Edo Pfennings commented that, ‘We share the strategic vision of Venko’s management in terms of a focus on the offshore business combined with growth ambitions in specialised metal preservation in the infra, utilities and industrial markets. In all these segments Venko has a proven track record with the most demanding customers in terms of health, safety and environmental standards, offering great potential for further growth.’