BASF plans to acquire AgBiTech, strengthening its biological crop protection portfolio and expanding sustainable insect control solutions globally.
BASF Agricultural Solutions has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AgBiTech, a globally recognized specialist in biological insect control technologies. The transaction has been agreed with the company’s current owners, including private equity firm Paine Schwartz Partners, along with other shareholders. Once completed, the acquisition will result in BASF assuming full ownership of AgBiTech and its entire business portfolio, marking a significant step in strengthening BASF’s biological crop protection capabilities.
Under the terms of the agreement, BASF will take control of all AgBiTech assets, including its established product portfolio, intellectual property rights, manufacturing facilities, research and development infrastructure, and its global workforce. The transaction is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2026, pending customary regulatory approvals from the relevant authorities. Both BASF and the selling shareholders have chosen not to disclose the financial and commercial details associated with the deal.
Established in 2000 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, AgBiTech has built a strong reputation as a pioneer in biological insect management. The company is best known for its development and commercialization of insect control solutions based on nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) technology. These naturally occurring viruses specifically target harmful insect pests while minimizing impact on beneficial organisms and the surrounding environment. Over the years, AgBiTech has successfully translated this science into practical solutions that are widely used by farmers seeking effective and environmentally responsible pest management tools.
AgBiTech operates across several key agricultural regions, including Brazil, the United States, and Australia. Its solutions support growers of major row crops such as soybean, corn, and cotton, as well as producers of various specialty crops. By offering targeted biological control options, the company has helped farmers manage persistent insect pressures while supporting sustainable agricultural practices and resistance management strategies.
According to Livio Tedeschi, President of BASF Agricultural Solutions, AgBiTech’s proven innovation history makes it a natural fit within BASF’s expanding biological portfolio. He highlighted that the integration of AgBiTech’s technology will reinforce BASF’s commitment to providing farmers with sustainable and holistic solutions that align with the company’s long-term business strategy and vision for modern agriculture.
From a regional perspective, Brazil plays a particularly important role in the planned acquisition. Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President Global Strategic Marketing & Sustainability at BASF Agricultural Solutions, emphasized that Brazil is among the fastest-growing markets for biological crop protection products worldwide. He noted that acquiring AgBiTech is a logical and strategic move that enhances BASF’s position as an integrated solutions provider in a segment that is becoming increasingly relevant for global food production.
Sergi Vizoso-Sansano, Senior Vice President Latin America at BASF Agricultural Solutions, further explained that chewing insects, particularly lepidoptera caterpillars, remain a major challenge for Brazilian farmers. He pointed out that AgBiTech’s biological solutions are already well known in the region and valued as an additional and complementary tool to address these yield-threatening pests.
BASF’s existing BioSolutions portfolio encompasses a broad range of biological products designed to protect crops from diseases and insects, reduce chemical residues, manage resistance, improve stress tolerance, and extend periods of effective pest and disease control. These solutions are intended to work alongside conventional chemical products within Integrated Pest Management programs. The planned acquisition of AgBiTech is expected to further enhance this portfolio, enabling BASF to offer farmers more comprehensive, flexible, and sustainable crop protection strategies worldwide.
