On 1 August 2025, PB-tec, specialised in horticultural technology and part of Atrium Agri, has acquired all assets from the bankrupt estate of CE-Line, which was declared bankrupt on July 22nd, 2025 by the Court of Midden-Nederland with appointment of Mr B.J. van Dijen as trustee. The acquisition includes, among other things, the intangible assets, inventory, IP rights, patents, stock, work in progress, and goodwill. With this acquisition, PB-tec and Atrium Agri aim to expand their knowledge and services in the field of water analysis.
© Thijmen Tiersma | HortiDaily.com Real-time nutrient measurement
CE-Line developed a system enabling growers to measure which nutrients are present in real time in the irrigation water. This provides a practical solution for accurate and automatic dosing of fertilisers. This acquisition ensures that the technology is preserved in the greenhouse horticulture sector.
CE-Line's measurement system operates on the basis of capillary electrophoresis. Unlike regular water analyses — where samples are sent to laboratories — this system provides rapid insight into the composition of all waters flowing on the horticultural site. The device automatically flushes and calibrates itself overnight, an important advantage because it requires minimal attention from the user.
Development of the technology
In recent years, CE-Line has taken multiple steps in advancing the technology, including working on automatically adjusting nutrient dosing via a connection with substrate units. Research has also been conducted into measuring micronutrients (trace elements). Since 2023, the system has been launched on the market and there are now approximately fifteen installations worldwide, including at the Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
CE-Line remains active in Emmeloord
PB-tec plans to carry on CE-Line operations at its existing location in Emmeloord, maintaining a large part of the existing team. "This acquisition aligns well with our activities; we already produce fertiliser units that dose at the level of the basic elements," says Koen Brabander, CCO of PB-tec. "We want to build further on what already exists and develop the technology further, especially focusing on real-time correction of the fertilisation schedules."
Existing customers will continue to receive support, including assistance with calibration fluids and interpretation of data.
Future plans
According to Richard Schmit, CEO of the PB-tec Group, this strategic acquisition fits with both PB-tec's and Atrium Agri's growth strategy. "By acquiring these assets, we can improve our product range and broaden our development capacity. At the same time, we retain valuable components from the bankrupt company that are important for the market. We expect all key personnel to enter into new employment contracts with us."
No acquisition of debts or personnel
The acquisition concerns the assets only and does not include the assumption of liabilities, debts, or personnel of CE-Line, unless otherwise agreed to in consultation with the trustee. The transaction was concluded with trustee Bas van Dijen, working at Okkerse & Schop lawyers in Lelystad.
