- BASF to take full ownership of AgBiTech Group, with closing anticipated during the first half of 2026
- Acquisition to enable BASF to offer farmers an urgently needed differentiated solution for controlling insects, particularly in Brazil
BASF Agricultural Solutions has reached an agreement with private equity firm Paine Schwartz Partners and other shareholders to acquire its portfolio group, AgBiTech, which specializes in biological insect control solutions. BASF will assume full ownership of AgBiTech, including all assets such as portfolio, intellectual property rights, manufacturing operations, as well as research and development facilities, and personnel. The transaction is anticipated to close during the first half of 2026, subject to approval by the competent authorities. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the financial and commercial terms of the agreement.
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, AgBiTech has pioneered the use of nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) technology to develop insect control solutions based on naturally occurring viruses. With operations in Brazil, the United States, and Australia, the company serves farmers growing soybean, corn and cotton as well as specialty crops.
“AgBiTech has a strong track record of developing solutions designed to help farmers manage insect pests effectively. We are excited to see this technology complement our existing BioSolutions portfolio, as it underscores our commitment to a more sustainable, holistic approach to agriculture in line with our business strategy,” said Livio Tedeschi, President of BASF Agricultural Solutions.
“Brazil is one of the fastest-growing markets for biological crop protection. This planned acquisition is a consequent step in executing our strategy that strengthens our presence as an integrated solution provider in this highly relevant segment,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President Global Strategic Marketing & Sustainability at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “Yield-robbing chewing insects, especially lepidoptera caterpillars, have long been concerns for Brazilian farmers, who have come to know AgBiTech’s technology as an additional solution for addressing these,” explained Sergi Vizoso-Sansano, Senior Vice President Latin America at BASF Agricultural Solutions.
BASF’s BioSolutions portfolio covers a range of biological products to help farmers protect crops from diseases and insects, reduce residues, manage resistance, increase stress tolerance and extend the windows of disease and pest protection, complementing chemical treatments within Integrated Pest Management programs.
