BASF Agricultural Solutions to Acquire Biological Insect Control Firm AgBiTech
15 January 2026, Ludwigshafen: BASF Agricultural Solutions has reached an agreement with private equity firm Paine Schwartz Partners and other shareholders to acquire its portfolio group, AgBiTech, a company specializing in biological insect control solutions. Upon completion of the transaction, BASF will assume full ownership of AgBiTech, including its entire portfolio, intellectual property rights, manufacturing operations, research and development facilities, and personnel. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to approval by the relevant authorities. The financial and commercial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.
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. The company operates in Brazil, the United States, and Australia, serving 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 includes a range of biological products designed to help farmers protect crops from diseases and insects, reduce residues, manage resistance, increase stress tolerance, and extend the duration of disease and pest protection, complementing chemical treatments within Integrated Pest Management programs.
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