Phoenix Partners Announces Acquisition of Ferti Technologies Inc.

Saint-Michel, May 14, 2025

Phoenix Partners II S.E.C. ("Phoenix") is pleased to announce its acquisition of Ferti Technologies Inc. ("Ferti"), a family-owned business founded in 1987 by Mr. Marc Vaillancourt. Today, Ferti is a significant player in the North American specialty fertilizer industry. The company is a leading producer of turf fertilizers, serving a diverse client base that includes distributors, golf industry fertilizer suppliers, landscapers, and national retail brands.

Phoenix, together with the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, is partnering with Ferti's current shareholders, Messrs. Hugo Provencher and Martin Bisaillon, both of whom have been key employees of the company for over 20 years. Hugo Provencher has been appointed CEO of Ferti. The company now has numerous growth opportunities and will benefit from the support of Phoenix and the Fonds de solidarité FTQ in its expansion efforts.

Expanding Client Diversification and Geographic Footprint Across North America

Since 2012, Ferti has executed its growth strategy by opening plants in key strategic locations across the United States, positioning itself to capitalize on this rapidly expanding market. Ferti now operates four U.S. facilities and one plant at its headquarters in Saint-Michel, Quebec. This North American distribution network enables Ferti to better serve large-scale national clients. Its most recent plant, opened in Texas in 2022, provides Ferti with substantial organic growth potential.

Achieving Rapid Growth in a Highly Regulated Niche Market

Hugo Provencher, CEO of Ferti, commented, "This transaction is a natural step in our corporate history. The transition with our founder Marc Vaillancourt began and was structured several years ago. We were looking for a financial partner who was agile and growth-oriented, both in terms of organic growth and acquisitions, and we quickly realized that Phoenix was the perfect fit for this role."

David Le Houx, Managing Partner at Phoenix, stated, "We are extremely proud to join the Ferti team to accelerate its growth and expand its North American footprint. We are partnering with experienced and passionate professionals. Their expertise and in-depth knowledge of the industry and its regulatory framework will enable us to increase our market share and adapt our products to evolving market needs."

Patrice Jolivet, Vice President, Private Equity and Impact Investing Agri-food, Consumer Goods, and Health at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, added, "Ferti Technologies has been a partner of the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ – Montérégie for six years. By supporting this acquisition by Phoenix, FSTQ strengthens its commitment to a growth partner and contributes to maintaining Ferti's headquarters and operations in Quebec."

About Phoenix Partners

Founded in 2012, Phoenix Partners is a private equity group specializing in acquiring majority stakes in traditional and mid-sized companies. With a team of experienced professionals, Phoenix Partners enables its portfolio companies to reach new heights. The firm has deep expertise in acquisitions, management, financing, and capital markets. To learn more, visit: www.phoenix-partners.ca

About the Fonds de solidarité FTQ

The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a source of pride in Québec, fulfilling its mission through a unique business model created more than 40 years ago. Since then, the Fonds has rallied Québec into action thanks to the retirement savings of 795,374 shareholders.

With net assets of $21.7 billion as at November 30, 2024, the Fonds supports nearly 4,000 companies through direct and indirect venture and development capital investments based on the belief that impact is created as much by financial as societal returns. For more information, visit fondsftq.com or our company page on LinkedIn.

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