TessaraCaseStudy

 

RMBV led a management buy-out of Tessara (previously known as Grapetek) in 2012. Tessara is the global market leader in the supply of sulphur dioxide generating sheets (“grape guards”), marketed under the Uvasys brand, used to preserve table grapes during transport and storage. 

The buyout by RMBV was a catalyst for transition to a more professional, sustainable business. During its investment horizon RMBV added significant value to the business which included: 

• Significant investment in senior management saw Tessara evolve from its founder-managed roots to a professional organization with a focused, competent and energized management team;  

• Intense focus on R&D bore fruit with new products being developed, resulting in growth and job creation. Initiatives around the protection of litchis, berries, tomatoes and flowers were far advanced diversifying the business from a single product focus (grape guards);  
•  Investment in Tessara’s facilities brought them up to world-class standards.  
• A new corporate and cultural identity was forged, setting the business up for greater prosperity in the years to come.  

The exit of RMBV and its partners in 2018 to Carlyle Private Equity and management in a secondary MBO was a wonderful outcome and success story for all involved.