ADIA Sells 50% Stake in IFCO to Stonepeak

Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets, said that it has entered into an agreement under which it will acquire approximately 50% co-controlling stake in IFCO Group, a leading global provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods, from a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Triton, a leading European mid-market sector-specialist investor and existing investor in IFCO, will remain a committed partner to the Company. Together, Stonepeak and Triton will have joint and equal ownership and governance of IFCO.

Founded in 1992, IFCO today manages a global logistics system that utilises over 400 million reusable packaging containers (RPCs) to enable more than 2.5 billion annual shipments of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other perishables from producers to retailers through a closed-loop, circular supply chain.

IFCO operates a network of approximately 140 service centres to wash and repair RPCs between trips. Its reusable solutions offer clear advantages over single-use packaging, providing cost, sustainability, and automation benefits to leading food retailers and producers.

With a team of approximately 2,000 employees, the Company runs a global operation serving over 300 retailers and 18,000 growers in more than 50 countries.

Operational Transformation

IFCO CEO Michael Pooley said that with the support of ADIA and Triton, his company has gone through a successful strategic and operational transformation and delivered strong growth.

Welcoming Stonepeak as a new partner alongside Triton, he said that Stonepeak’s expertise in critical infrastructure and proven investment strategy paired with Triton’s long years of sector experience and focus on digitalisation and sustainability will contribute largely to IFCO’s further growth, strengthening our market leading position globally.

Nikolaus Woloszczuk, Senior Managing Director at Stonepeak, said that as the operator of the largest and most established logistics network for reusable packaging in the grocery supply chain globally, IFCO represents a critical component of the logistics infrastructure delivering fresh produce and Its leadership position is underpinned by its network and scale, which deliver cost and sustainability advantages over single-use cardboard for retailers and growers.

Stephan Forschle, Partner and Co-Head of Business Services at Triton said that together they share the same ambition to create value Triton’s investors and portfolio companies. IFCO is at the core of Triton’s Business Services investment strategy, where they have many years of experience and in-depth sector know-how.

“We thank the IFCO management team and all employees for the great journey and their excellent contribution so far and will remain a committed investor as we are very excited about the Company prospects,” he added.

Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, Executive Director of the Private Equities Department at ADIA, said that ADIA invested alongside Triton in IFCO’s carve-out from Brambles in 2019. Since then, IFCO has built solid foundations for the future, based on strong operational performance and enhanced digital capabilities, and is well positioned for growth.