Press Release - FCA-Fertilux Group
Press Release | July 20, 2026
Creadev becomes the majority shareholder of FCA - Fertilux Group, with the ambition of building a European leader in soil health.
Creadev announces the acquisition of a majority stake in FCA - Fertilux Group through a leveraged buyout (LBO) alongside its founder and CEO, Pascal Tronçon.
With revenues exceeding €60 million, 80 employees and more than 6,000 farmers supported across nearly 20 countries, the group, through its companies FCA Fertilisants and Fertilux, has established itself as a leading French player in the design and production of responsible fertilisers dedicated to plant nutrition and soil health since its founding in the Ardennes region 35 years ago.
Pioneering industrial expertise serving the agriculture of tomorrow
For decades, agriculture has primarily focused on feeding plants. The challenge for the coming years will also be to regenerate soils, a mission the group has been pursuing for more than 35 years.
Thanks to its unique industrial facilities and agronomic technology, the group helps farmers sustainably restore the biological fertility of their soils. Healthier, more biologically active soils retain nutrients more effectively, nourish plants more efficiently, require fewer chemical inputs and enable more productive agriculture with lower CO₂ emissions.
A growing market driven by favourable structural trends
In France and across Europe, this vision of agriculture is gaining momentum in a particularly favourable environment. Increasing volatility in mineral fertiliser prices, food sovereignty concerns and changes in the European regulatory framework are accelerating the adoption of sustainable fertilisation solutions.
The solutions developed by FCA Fertilisants and Fertilux address these long-term trends by combining agronomic performance, economic competitiveness and reduced dependence on imported raw materials.
An ambition: building a European leader in soil health
Alongside the founder and management team, Creadev will support the company through a new phase of development.
FCA Fertilisants and Fertilux have all the foundations needed to scale up: a proven business model, expertise in flexible production processes adaptable to all types of crops, a strong commercial position in France, long-standing partnerships with leading agricultural cooperatives and distributors, and an established presence in Central Europe and Africa.
Creadev's investment will enable the group to accelerate its commercial development in France and internationally, expand its industrial capabilities and pursue a targeted acquisition strategy.
This transaction is fully aligned with Creadev's strategy of supporting entrepreneurs over the long term in sectors with a structural impact, particularly responsible agriculture, healthy food and food sovereignty, by investing in profitable companies with robust business models and strong growth potential.
“We are convinced that soil health will be one of the major agricultural challenges of the coming decades. FCA Fertilisants and Fertilux offer farmers a solution that addresses agronomic, economic and sovereignty challenges. The group's industrial expertise, strong market positioning and the commitment of its teams over the past 35 years convinced us. Our ambition is to support the group's next stage of growth and help it become a European leader in soil health,” says Bénédicte Monpert, Managing Director of Creadev's Food team.
“FCA Fertilisants represents 35 years of my life. I started out conducting trials on a farm in the Marne region. So, to write the next chapter of this story, I wasn't simply looking for an investor, but for a genuine partner. In Creadev, I found an approach to business that reflects my own values: an entrepreneurial mindset, a long-term vision and a real desire to build something together. This trust will enable the group to reach a new level while remaining true to the identity we have built since day one,” says Pascal Tronçon, founder and CEO of FCA Fertilisants.
Following the transaction, Creadev becomes the group's majority shareholder. Pascal Tronçon retains a significant stake and remains fully involved in the company's development.
About FCA Fertilisants and Fertilux:
Founded more than 35 years ago by Pascal Tronçon and based in the Ardennes region of France, FCA Fertilisants and Fertilux form a leading integrated group specialising in the design, production and distribution of responsible fertilisers dedicated to plant nutrition and soil health.
Drawing on industrial expertise that combines natural raw materials derived from the agri-food industry with biological solutions that sustainably stimulate the activity of soil microorganisms, the group markets its products to farmers and distributors in France, Central Europe and Africa.
Its solutions serve a wide range of agricultural sectors, including arable crops, grasslands and high-value crops such as viticulture, fruit growing and market gardening.
About Creadev:
Creadev is an investment company founded in 2002 by the Mulliez family, the French entrepreneurial family behind major retail brands such as Auchan, Decathlon and Leroy Merlin, to support and develop high-potential small and medium-sized businesses.
Creadev brings the capital and entrepreneurial values of the Mulliez family to growing companies, helping to build tomorrow's leaders in the food, healthcare and climate sectors.
With investments ranging from €10 million to €50 million, Creadev seeks to establish significant shareholding positions, whether majority or minority, to accelerate the development of already profitable companies and strengthen their leadership through dynamic organic growth and targeted acquisitions.
Creadev stands out for its long-term partnership approach, built on close relationships with management teams and active involvement in creating sustainable value. The company operates internationally, with offices in Europe, the United States and Africa.
Advisors:
Oaklins - M&A and financing advisor
Chammas & Marcheteau - Legal and tax advisor
Ooslo Avocats - Seller's legal advisor
Alvarez & Marsal - Financial due diligence
Kea - Strategic due diligence
Press Contacts:
For Creadev : Pierre Tribondeau
For press relations : Fabrice Lehman
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