Denham Capital said Aug. 6 that it will invest up to $60 million in VitAG Corp. The company says VitAG technology converts municipal biosolids into a value-added high-nitrogen fertilizer product capable of competing with and outperforming conventional fertilizers. The investment will fund the construction of multiple biosolids-to-fertilizer manufacturing plants.
“Denham’s investment in VitAG is an opportunity for Denham to participate in the global fertilizer market in an environmentally sensitive manner,” said Bill Zartler, a Denham managing partner. “We look forward to partnering with the innovative and experienced VitAG team on the execution of their business plan.”
The VitAG process creates a sustainable and economic solution for recycling biosolids into a commercially viable fertilizer. The proprietary VitAG technology creates a granular, high-value fertilizer product that exceeds the USEPA Class A and Exceptional Quality standards for biosolids-containing products. In addition, the small footprint of a VitAG manufacturing facility allows it to be located at or near existing municipal wastewater treatment plants and to be sized according to the treatment plant’s biosolids output, thus reducing logistical concerns and liability traditionally associated with the transportation of biosolids.
“The key to VitAG’s technology is that it is environmentally-friendly,” said Jeffrey C. Burnham, PhD, VitAg president and CEO. “In addition to use in traditional fertilizer markets for crops, turf, and ornamental production, VitAG fertilizer is ideal for boosting production of bio-energy specific crops.” Other management members of the VitAG team include James P. Carr, vice president of engineering and operations, and fertilizer industry veteran Barry R. Jarrett, vice president of marketing.
VitAG has formed strategic partnerships with leading consulting, engineering, and fertilizer equipment companies for the planning, engineering, and construction of the VitAG facilities, and for the design and fabrication of the process equipment, respectively; and with Ferrate Treatment Technologies, LLC, manufacturer of a unique biosolids deodorizer.
Denham Capital is a leading global private equity firm, with offices in Boston, Houston, Short Hills, New Jersey, and London. With approximately $4.3 billion of invested and committed capital, Denham makes direct investments in all segments of the energy and commodities value chain, including oil and gas, mining, timber, power, carbon assets, and energy-related infrastructure and services. The firm invests globally, with investments currently in the US, Canada, South America, Europe, Russia/CIS, Asia, and Australia, and across all parts of the capital structure and all stages of the corporate and asset lifecycle, from development projects to mature, operating businesses. Denham typically targets investments in the $50 million to $250 million range.