Introduction
On 25 April 2025, Denmark’s SKOV A/S announced the acquisition of Dutch Sercom Regeltechniek B.V., marking a strategic leap into the horticulture automation market. This move aligns with SKOV’s goal to diversify beyond livestock climate solutions and positions the company to capture growth in greenhouse and crop storage automation.
Acquisition Details and Strategic Rationale
Sercom Regeltechniek B.V., based in Lisse, the Netherlands, boasts over 40 years of expertise in electronic and computer systems for horticulture and intensive crop storage. Its shareholders have agreed to transfer all shares to SKOV A/S, a leader in climate control for intensive livestock farming. By integrating Sercom’s automation platforms with SKOV’s global footprint, SKOV expects to accelerate R&D initiatives, expand service offerings, and tap into a key future market segment.
Company Profiles
SKOV A/S – Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Roslev, Denmark, SKOV provides end-to-end climate solutions, farm management, and digital value-chain services for poultry, pigs, dairy, and insect production. With subsidiaries in Thailand, Russia, China, and the USA, and representation in over 80 markets, SKOV employs more than 450 staff globally.
Sercom Regeltechniek B.V. – Operating since the 1980s out of Lisse, Sercom specializes in process automation systems for both greenhouse cultivation and post-harvest storage. Its electronic control units and software platforms are widely used by horticultural producers across Europe and beyond.
Market Implications and Growth Prospects
The global greenhouse horticulture market reached USD 33.43 billion in 2024 and is projected to nearly double to USD 69.73 billion by 2033, growing at a 7.63% CAGR (IMARC ). SKOV’s entry via Sercom gives it direct access to this high-growth segment, allowing cross-selling of its existing climate-control hardware and software solutions into horticulture. Key regions driving demand include Europe (38.1% share in 2024) and North America, where the U.S. market alone was valued at USD 10.2 billion in 2024 .
Export and Supply Chain Insights
- Global Exports: European greenhouse automation equipment exports were valued at over USD 15 billion in 2024, with Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark leading as exporters.
- Import Markets: The U.S., Japan, and China remain top importers of high-tech horticulture systems, collectively accounting for 45% of global import value in 2024.
Competitor Landscape
- Top Competitor Producer: Priva Holding B.V. (Netherlands), specializing in climate control and digital services for horticulture, reported annual revenues of USD 258.2 million and serves over 100 countries via 15 local offices and 400 partners (Growjo).
- Key Importers: The U.S. greenhouse market (USD 10.2 billion) and Europe (38.1% market share) are critical for climate-control system imports
