10 August 2026, Milano: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited (« Sumitomo Chemical ») and COPYR S.p.A. Compagnia del Piretro (« COPYR ») are pleased to announce Sumitomo Chemical group’s acquisition of COPYR’s plant protection business.
COPYR—an Italian company belonging to Zelnova Zeltia, with long-standing expertise in natural pyrethrum-based insecticide products—owned and operated Pyragro S.r.l. (“Pyragro”), the subsidiary responsible for COPYR’s plant protection business.
On August 3, 2026, Sumitomo Chemical Italia S.r.l., (« Sumitomo Chemical Italia ») the Italian subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, acquired 100% of the ownership interests in Pyragro.
Pyragro holds registrations for a broad portfolio of natural pyrethrum-based plant protection products in Italy and across several markets in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region.
Through the acquisition of Pyragro, Sumitomo Chemical group gains an established platform, including various product registrations and supporting dossiers, to expand its presence in the professional agriculture market. This expansion of Sumitomo Chemical group’s crop protection portfolio—particularly with respect to products of natural origin—fully aligns with Sumitomo Chemical’s long-standing sustainable agriculture strategy; this expansion helps Sumitomo Chemical group enhance the value it delivers to customers and partners throughout the EMEA region and build a stronger foundation for future growth.
The transaction also enables COPYR and the Zelnova Zeltia group to focus resources and investment on their core Home Care, Personal Care and Professional businesses, while placing Pyragro with an owner that has the scale, expertise and strategic commitment to accelerate its future development.
Tadashi Katayama, Managing Executive Officer of Sumitomo Chemical, said: “This transaction will support Sumitomo Chemical group’s continued expansion in EMEA’s biorational business, while further enhancing its crop protection portfolio, particularly in naturally-occurring insecticide products including Bacillus thuringiensis products. It also provides a solid foundation for future development in the region.”
Pedro González Blanco, Chief Executive Officer of COPYR, said: « The divestment of Pyragro is consistent with our strategy of concentrating the Zelnova- COPYR group’s resources and investment on its core Home Care, Personal Care and Professional businesses. Sumitomo Chemical is the right long-term owner for Pyragro: its crop protection expertise, international presence and commitment to sustainable agriculture provide a strong platform to develop the business further. We will work closely with Sumitomo Chemical to ensure an orderly transition and continuity for customers, suppliers and business partners.
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