Grafin Partners is pleased to announce that, in November 2024, it acted as financial advisor in the sale of an equity stake in Techduto Soluções, the Brazilian leader in subsurface agricultural drainage, to BRANDT, a U.S.-based multinational specialized in plant nutrition, plant physiology, and application technology.
With more than 40 years of history, Techduto has positioned itself at the forefront of a new frontier in Brazilian agribusiness: the development and localization of subsurface agricultural drainage (agriculture tile drainage). This technology is widely adopted in countries such as the United States — where more than 25% of cultivated land is already drained — but remains at an early stage in Brazil. Since 2015, Techduto has led this movement, adapting the technology to Brazil’s specific climate, terrain, and soil conditions.
According to Rick Brandt, CEO & President of BRANDT, “The subsurface agricultural drainage market is still in its early stages in Brazil, but we see enormous demand for technology and expertise in this area. We were simply waiting for the right partner.”
Techduto’s technology enables the recovery of areas with excess moisture — often considered unproductive — transforming them into high-performance farmland. Studies indicate productivity gains of up to 76% in wheat, 34% in corn, and 29% in soybeans. Subsurface drainage also reduces soil erosion, improves water management, and contributes to sustainability by avoiding the need to clear new land.
With an established presence in Brazil and an innovative portfolio of agricultural inputs, BRANDT identified in Techduto a strategic opportunity to invest in a scalable solution with significant impact on Brazilian agriculture. “This is about capturing a tremendous opportunity: I am confident we can truly accelerate Techduto’s agricultural business,” Brandt added. “With our industry relationships, the expertise of our management team in Brazil, and the direction of our executive leadership, we can help organize the company, focus on sales, and develop a strong competitive positioning.”
Techduto will continue to operate as a family-managed company, led by Bruno, André, and Henrique Frossard — sons of founder Saulo Frossard — and will be identified as a “BRANDT Partner” in its communications and marketing materials, leveraging the growing recognition of the BRANDT brand in Brazil.
This transaction reflects Grafin Partners’ commitment to supporting family-owned businesses in building transformative partnerships with strategic investors. Acting cross-border and leveraging a strong relationship network, we seek to catalyze the development of innovative and sustainable solutions in agribusiness and other sectors of the economy.
