Vantage Capital, Africa's largest mezzanine fund manager, has finalized a €14 million mezzanine investment in Société de Production Maraîchère Samir S.A. (SPMS), a prominent agricultural company in Morocco. The funds will support SPMS's ambitious expansion plans, which include tripling its cultivated area to over 300 hectares.
Founded by Moroccan agronomists Samir Jbali and Samir Belhouari, SPMS is headquartered in Agadir and has specialized in cherry tomato production since 1992. In 2014, the company expanded into red fruits like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries through a partnership with U.S.-based Driscoll’s. Today, SPMS operates 101 hectares of farmland and employs over 2,000 workers, focusing on modern agricultural practices.
SPMS is known for its high yields, innovation in berry cultivation, and sustainability efforts, such as using desalinated water and digital monitoring systems. Its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives support local communities through employment, training, and infrastructure development.
Vantage Capital's investment will enable SPMS to scale its operations and strengthen its market position. SPMS CEO Samir Jbali expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating that it will help the company achieve its long-term growth objectives. Vantage Capital executives Luc Albinski and Driss Benabdeslam highlighted the importance of the deal, emphasizing their confidence in SPMS's leadership and the dynamic agricultural sector in Morocco.
This deal marks Vantage Capital’s 38th investment across 11 African countries. Legal, financial, and advisory support for the transaction was provided by Clifford Chance, Deloitte, Baker McKenzie, Emerton, and Ibis Consulting for Vantage Capital, and Mouttaki & Partners and Majorelle Capital for SPMS.
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