European Industrial Footprint Expands with Acquisition in the Farm Machinery Sector
— A major step in European agricultural machinery consolidation has been completed with the full acquisition of Frandent, an Italian rotary harrow and haymaking equipment manufacturer by French family-owned Burel Group.
The transaction, finalised on September 30, 2025, concludes a 25-year partnership that began with technical cooperation on seed drill combinations and has evolved into a full industrial integration.
“This acquisition continues a great human and industrial story. We share the same values of excellence, innovation, and proximity,” said Julien Burel, President of the Burel Group, representing the third generation of the family business.
A Long-Term Partnership Comes Full Circle
The collaboration between the two manufacturers began in 2000, combining complementary expertise in tillage and seeding. In 2022, the Burel Group acquired a majority stake, setting the stage for a gradual and carefully managed transfer aligned with the vision of the Italian founder.
The latest phase makes the Italian company a fully owned subsidiary while ensuring operational continuity for its employees, dealers, and customers.
Continuity and Growth in Italy
Frandent will continue to operate under its own brand, with its Osasco production site near Turin remaining fully active. Existing dealer networks and customer support structures will be maintained, ensuring product availability and service continuity.
“Our identity remains intact, but we now have stronger development potential within a solid European group,” said Alessandro Berardo, the company’s newly appointed Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, who will also take on wider responsibilities within the group.
Investment in Industrial Capacity
Recent investments have focused on modernizing and expanding the Italian plant. A new production extension, inaugurated in July 2025, increases capacity and enhances working conditions, positioning the site as a long-term manufacturing hub for the group’s European operations.
The integration aims to secure Italian production, strengthen industrial coherence across sites, and accelerate innovation for European farmers.
Part of a Broader Strategic Vision
The acquisition forms part of the Burel Group’s long-term “Farming Together 2” strategy, which emphasizes sustainability, collaboration, and proximity to users. Under its unified Sky Agriculture brand, the group brings together its expertise in seeding, fertilization, and soil preparation technologies to promote a more sustainable and efficient farming model.
The new industrial structure will be presented at Agritechnica, followed by open days in November 2025 at the Italian site to celebrate 25 years of partnership and a new chapter of European growth.
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