Stirling Square Capital Partners-backed Sustainable Agro Solutions (SAS Group) has acquired a majority stake in Afrikelp, a South African producer specialising in seaweed- and plant-based biostimulants. The acquisition strengthens SAS Group’s position in the global agricultural biosolutions market and expands its capabilities in seaweed-based crop solutions.

Strengthening the Global Biosolutions Portfolio

The acquisition represents SAS Group’s sixth acquisition, following Biovert in 2023, Pevesa Agroscience in 2024, Aqua do Brasil and Codiagro in 2025, and Ceres Biotics in 2026.

The addition of Afrikelp strengthens SAS Group’s capabilities in seaweed-based biostimulants, an important area of strategic expansion. It also enhances the group’s technological expertise and supports its presence in key international markets, particularly the United States.

Afrikelp’s Technology and Market Reach

Afrikelp is a leading independent producer of seaweed-based biostimulants, with applications across more than 45 crops, including fruits, vegetables and row crops. Its products reach customers in over 55 markets across North America, Europe, Africa and Latin America.

The company’s competitive advantage is supported by its exclusive concession to harvest Ecklonia maxima, a brown seaweed species, and its proprietary and patented Cold Micronisation Process, which enables the production of concentrated biostimulant solutions.

The company also brings established scientific research capabilities, extraction expertise and an international commercial network to the SAS Group portfolio.

Building a Global Agricultural Biosolutions Platform

Since acquiring a majority stake in SAS Group in July 2021, Stirling Square has supported its expansion through investments in research and development, product innovation, production infrastructure and international market development, alongside strategic acquisitions.

SAS Group is headquartered in Lleida, Spain, and operates in more than 100 countries. Its portfolio includes biostimulants, soil conditioners, defence activators and specialty plant nutrition products.

Following the transaction, Afrikelp’s management team will reinvest a significant share of its proceeds in the business, supporting continued alignment and long-term growth. Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

Source: Stirling Square Capital Partners – Official Announcement