Agrofert Acquires Majority Stake in East Grain

Agrofert, one of Central Europe’s largest agricultural and food industry groups, has become the majority shareholder of East Grain S.A., acquiring a 65% stake through a capital increase. The transaction received European Commission clearance and marks one of the most significant foreign investments in Romania’s agricultural sector in recent years.

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cluj-Napoca, East Grain is an established trader of grain and oilseeds in Romania and Hungary, with complementary logistics, warehousing, and related services. The company has grown revenues more than tenfold over the past decade — from €13M in 2013 to approximately €143M in 2022 — driven by average annual growth of 22.5% over the last five years.

For Hodler, the transaction represents a significant milestone: as a founding investor in East Grain, Hodler supported the company’s growth from its early stages into the regional platform that attracted one of Central Europe’s leading agri-food groups. Hodler retains a minority stake in East Grain and remains actively involved in the company’s strategic development.

About Hodler: Hodler Group is a privately held investment holding company with diverse investments in the CEE region. Hodler Asset Management, a part of Hodler Group, operates as a private equity firm managing two funds focused on food and agriculture investments in the area.

About East Grain: Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cluj-Napoca, East Grain S.A. is a leading Romanian trader of grain and oilseeds, also active in agricultural input distribution, logistics, and warehousing across Romania, Hungary, and Serbia.