RLF AgTech acquires LiquaForce for $4.5m to expand into new agriculture markets

RLF AgTech has completed the acquisition of LiquaForce for $4.5m
Addition of LiquaForce to increase agriculture industry exposure
Business integration is advanced for solid near-term growth
Based on FY’23 number this acquisition will almost triple RLF’s revenue from $11.5M to $31.8M

Special Report: Plant-tech company RLF Agtech has acquired fertiliser company LiquaForce’s core business and assets for $4.5m in cash and shares to help drive expansion into broadacre farming, cotton, and horticulture.

Providing commercial nutrition solutions for the agriculture industry, RLF AgTech’s (ASX: RLF) flagship Plant Proton Delivery Technology (PPDT) allows farmers to cultivate crops with enhanced yields, improved quality, and increased nutritional value, while bolstering the plants’ capacity to store and reduce atmospheric carbon.

It’s also got a soil carbon generation program through its RLF Carbon offering and has established a strategic alliance with Commonwealth Bank.

LiquaForce purchase

RLF’s acquisition of LiquaForce is comprised of an upfront consideration of $3m in cash and $0.75m in RLF shares along with a deferred cash payment of $0.75m payable on or before 30 September 2024.

The acquisition provides a solid platform for growth, immediately delivering increased Australian revenue and market growth opportunities in the Queensland region.

LiquaForce – a liquid fertiliser manufacturing, sale and application business – has two well-established manufacturing facilities in Queensland with a focus on the sugar cane market.

Business integration is advanced and includes the streamlining of corporate and administrative functions, production processes, and supply chain optimisation.

The company will then deploy additional working capital management facilities and credit structures, supporting the business to reach its growth potential.

“RLF is delighted to welcome Cameron Liddle, managing director of LiquaForce, and the entire LiquaForce team to RLF following this strategic acquisition,” RLF MD Ken Hancock says.

“Operating in North Queensland, LiquaForce has built its foundations in the sugar cane industry, and there is tremendous potential to expand the LiquaForce and RLF businesses into new markets including broadacre farms, cotton, and horticulture.

“The acquisition lays a solid foundation for growth of RLF’s Australian-based revenues to complement its existing revenue from China.

“Utilising RLF’s products to enhance the LiquaForce market offer, we are poised to deliver comprehensive and industry-leading solutions that will empower growers to maximise their crop production.

“RLF remains focused on growing our international network, expanding our product breadth and driving scale across both the Australian and global markets.”

This article was developed in collaboration with RLF AgTech, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.