The Hardi crop sprayers business will become a sister company to Berthoud, Tecnoma, and a number of other French spraying equipment firms as a result of the decision by Exel Industries to buy the Danish concern for €100 million (£71.5 million).

According to Patrick Ballu, Exel Group Chairman & CEO, Hardi will join a family-owned group of companies that share manufacturing resources but retain their own identities and distribution channels and invariably compete with one another in important European and world markets.

He adds: “In light of their very similar operations, Hardi and Exel represent a strong potential for technological, geographic, commercial and industrial synergies.”

Hardi was flagged up for sale 12 months ago by current owner Auriga Industries, which has decided to concentrate on its core crop chemicals operation. It bought the sprayer business 10 years ago and says that Hardi has benefited from considerable strategic streamlining during its tenure and is well geared for future growth and development.

The acquisition will almost double Exel’s revenues from crop protection equipment and significantly strengthen its market position, particularly for sales of mounted and trailed sprayers in France, the UK and North America.

Last year, sales of Berthoud, Tecnoma, Caruelle, Seguip and other sprayers generated more than €145 million (£103 million) for Exel, while Hardi sales slipped in a difficult season to €121 million (£86.8 million). Recovering markets should see Hardi back up to €135 million (£96 million) this year, say Hardi executives.