Strategic Partnership iCRA & MDF.

The companies
MDF Global Group, based in Ede, is an international consulting and training company active in the field of organizational development, evaluation and capacity building. More than one hundred employees worldwide work from various offices.

Based in Wageningen, iCRA Foundation specializes in agri-food systems and agricultural development, with strong activities in Africa and partly in Asia. As a foundation, iCRA focuses on capacity building, inclusive food chains and the development of education and employment in the agricultural sector.

The collaboration
After an intensive process of exploration and preparation, MDF and iCRA have decided to enter into a strategic partnership. In doing so, iCRA will be integrated as a specialized pillar within the MDF Global Group, while maintaining its legal status as an independent foundation. MDF will act as the umbrella structure, while iCRA will fulfill the role of agri-food systems hub.

Role of Next Steps
Next Steps accompanied iCRA throughout the entire process. We supported the search for a suitable strategic partner, advised in the negotiation phase and helped with the contract formation. This eventually led to a cooperation agreement with MDF, in which iCRA formally became part of the MDF Global Group, without losing its own identity as a foundation.

Result
Through the partnership, both parties increase their clout:

• Collaboration in international projects, significantly increasing the likelihood of future assignments.
• Cost savings by merging back office functions such as IT, finance and communications.
• iCRA positions itself as an agri-food systems hub within the group, while MDF benefits from iCRA's strong presence in Africa and Asia.

Details

A key premise is that iCRA will retain its independence as a foundation for three years. After this period, a joint evaluation will follow to determine whether further legal integration is possible and desirable.