mynth
07/2020

AGQ LABS acquired by PORTOBELLO CAPITAL

SPAIN Industrial Services / TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) EV 100M - 350M EUR

Context

The strategy behind this acquisition focuses on the AGQ Labs' international expansion and technological development. Despite the global market volatility at the time of closing, the partnership with Portobello Capital represents a significant milestone for the founders, providing the backing of a major institutional investor through its inaugural minorities fund. The strategic rationale centers on leveraging the target's high-end laboratory infrastructure and sector expertise to capture further market share in the global food and environmental Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) market. The capital injection is intended to support the organization’s expansion project, enhancing its international footprint and strengthening its positioning in the complex food workflow testing process. By maintaining the founders' leadership while integrating the strategic oversight of a private equity partner, the organization aims to professionalize its operations and scale its chemical engineering capabilities. This deal highlights the resilience of mission-critical laboratory services and the continued appetite for high-quality technical assets within the European investment landscape, facilitating a platform for long-term growth and technical innovation.

AGQ LABS, which reported an EBITDA margin of in 2019, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of , representing a to the average currently observed in the Business Services sector (11.4x).

-> Deep-dive in Business Services market trends

Target

AGQ Labs is an international technical service provider specializing in advanced laboratory analysis and specialized chemical engineering. The organization operates a network of high-tech laboratories delivering testing and trial services to the food, environment, and agronomy sectors. Its value proposition is based on the integration of cutting-edge technology with deep sector-specific knowledge, particularly within the food supply chain workflow from origin to distribution. The entity’s strategy centers on supporting the agricultural and mining industries through precise chemical trials and health and safety monitoring. By positioning itself at critical points of the production cycle—including aquaculture, meat, and animal feed—the firm ensures quality and regulatory compliance for global retailers and producers. The firm serves as a strategic partner in the digital and environmental transformation of the primary sector, emphasizing sustainable agronomy and environmental stewardship through its international presence across multiple continents.

Ent. Value

Equity Value

Multiples

EV / Revenue

EV / EBITDA

EV / EBIT

Historical Financials (EUR)

Year
Rev
EBITDA
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2019
2018

Other operations with AGQ LABS

List of similar M&A transactions (Date, Acquirer, Target, Country, Sub-sector)
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySector
09/2025FREMMAN CAPITALAGQ LABSSPAINTIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification)

REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV 100M - 350M EUR

Revenue range: 50M - 100M EUR

EBITDA range: 5M - 25M EUR

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of AGQ LABS by PORTOBELLO CAPITAL are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.

Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.

Acquirer: portobello capital