Syngenta acquires leading global biologicals company Valagro
Syngenta Group has announced the acquisition of leading global biologicals company, Valagro.
The investment positions Syngenta as one of the key global companies poised to shape the rapidly growing biologicals market, which is set to double in size over the next five years. Valagro is a market-leading producer of innovative biologicals.
This strategic acquisition enables Syngenta to build a world-leading biologicals business. Valagro has a strong commercial and production reputaion, as well as an industry-leading technology and research capacity.
Valagro's well-established portfolio in biostimulants and specialty nutrients will complement both Syngenta's current range of biostimulants and biocontrols, as well as its future pipeline of biological solutions.
Biocontrols and biostimulants - natural solutions for pest, disease control and plant enhancement - are increasingly important worldwide for sustainable production.
This acquisition is fully in-line with Syngenta’s strategy to provide additional complementary choices of products and technologies in order to effectively and sustainably care for plants, by managing resistance, enhancing soil health, reducing residues and addressing consumer demands.
Valagro has excelled by harnessing the power of nature to provide innovative and effective solutions for plant nutrition and care. With 40 years of experience, the company offers its customers a comprehensive portfolio in biologicals, along with a market-leading position in biostimulants and speciality nutrients.
It has over 700 employees, 13 subsidiaries and 8 production sites around the world, with a portfolio backed by best-in-class biological R&D, production and commercialisation capabilities.
Erik Fyrwald, CEO of Syngenta Group (above) stated: “We are looking forward to welcoming the Valagro team to the Syngenta Group. This acquisition underlines our growth ambitions in this area and positions us as one of the strongest players in the global biologicals market.
“The investment also forms part of our $2 billion commitment to help address the effects of climate change and improve sustainability as part of our Good Growth Plan.”
Giuseppe Natale, CEO Valagro said: “This agreement will open up new, previously unimaginable growth prospects for the Valagro group worldwide. Now that we are part of a company with the resources and ambition of Syngenta, we have exciting new opportunities for our innovation to better deliver even more options and to invest even more effectively in the sustainable future.”
Jon Parr, President Global Crop Protection at Syngenta noted: “Significant levels of investment in innovations such as biologicals are necessary in order to deliver a sustainable future and working in harmony with nature.
“Syngenta and Valagro have a foundation in science-based innovation and are eager to collaborate, share knowledge and build on each other’s capabilities.
"By fostering the entrepreneurial spirit and culture of Valagro, powered by our global scale and capability, together we will shape the future of the biologicals market.”
Valagro will continue to operate as an independent brand in the market, within the Syngenta Crop Protection business. It had a compound annual growth rate of around 10% from 2009-2019, with revenue of approx. $175m in 2019. Headquartered in Atessa, Italy, it serves customers around the world. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
