Hamilton-based agritech leader Gallagher Group has taken a significant step in its global expansion by acquiring the controlling shareholding of Gallagher Europe from the Dijkstra family.
The deal, completed on March 31, integrates Gallagher Europe into the global company, adding around 130 employees and strengthening its foothold in the European market.
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
Gallagher Group, founded in 1938, has long been a pioneer in electric fencing and animal management solutions. It has established itself as a market leader in security and agritech industries over the decades.
The acquisition of Gallagher Europe aligns with its strategy of owning market distribution, a model it successfully implemented in North America and Australia, and New Zealand through acquisitions in 2009 and 2011.
The Dijkstra family played an important role in expanding Gallagher’s brand across Europe for nearly 50 years. The company currently operates offices in the Netherlands, the UK, and Switzerland, with in-market teams spanning multiple European countries, including France, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and Sweden. It also has distribution partnerships in Ireland, Spain, Iceland, Hungary, and throughout Europe.
Gallagher’s animal management chief executive, Lisbeth Jacobs, emphasized the importance of the acquisition:
“We can’t really release the exact numbers, but at the moment, the animal management business has two really strong regions, and that is North America, Australia and New Zealand. They are both about equal in size and they make up about 75% of the whole turnover. Adding Europe to that represents another one of those big chunky markets, so it is a sizeable transaction that will add a sizeable increase to our revenue.”
Strategic Expansion into a Key Market
Europe now joins North America, Australia and New Zealand as one of Gallagher’s three major regions with this acquisition. According to Jacobs, the move is particularly timely as the European market undergoes shifts driven by evolving regulations and changing customer demands.
“The European market is one where we see significant evolution and opportunity for growth, particularly as it undergoes changes driven by evolving regulations and shifting customer needs,” she said.
Gallagher’s New Zealand-based group CEO, Kahl Betham, underscored the importance of owning market distribution, calling it a “key part” of the company’s long-term strategy.
“Owning our market distribution is a key part of our strategy, demonstrated through the acquisitions of Gallagher North America and the Australian Animal Management business in 2009 and 2011.”
Cutting-Edge Technology and Future Growth
The company has already made substantial investments in digital agritech solutions, including eShepherd, a solar-powered, GPS-enabled livestock neckband that allows farmers to create virtual fences.
Jacobs noted that demand for intelligent, digital solutions is increasing, “Customers are increasingly seeking intelligent, digital solutions to streamline their operations.”
Gallagher is expanding its technological portfolio with advancements in automated pasture measurement and other digital solutions. The company sees major opportunities for growth in Spain, southern France, Poland, and central Europe.
Conclusion
Gallagher Europe already holds a strong position in the region, controlling approximately 85% of the electric fence market in Belgium and the Netherlands. With this acquisition, the company is poised to expand even further, leveraging its expertise in animal management and farm technology to solidify its dominance.