BASF Agricultural Solutions is acquiring biological insect control company AgBiTech from private equity firm Paine Schwartz Partners for an undisclosed amount of money to bolster its capabilities for the Brazilian market.
Founded in 2000, Texas-based AgBiTech uses nucleopolyhedrovirus technology to develop insect control products from naturally occurring viruses for corn, cotton, soybean, and specialty crops. Currently, AgBiTech offers products to Australia, Brazil, and the U.S., the company shared in a press release.
Expected to close in the first half of 2026 and pending regulatory approval, the acquisition is designed to complement BASF’s existing range of biological products to manage crop diseases, reduce residues, increase stress tolerance, and manage resistance, BASF shared in a press release.
As per the acquisition, BASF will take full control of AgBiTech, including its assets, intellectual property, and manufacturing and research and development facilities.
“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.
BASF goes after Brazil market
The acquisition comes as the chemical giant seeks to gain a stronger presence in Brazil, and the fast-growing biologicals market in the Latin American country.
AgBiTech helps Brazilian farmers address lepidoptera caterpillars, a major pest problem in the Latin American country, BASF noted. Brazil has declared states of emergency over pest problems in the past, including a Helicoverpa armigera caterpillar infestation in 2013.
“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 VP global strategic marketing and sustainability at BASF Agricultural Solutions.
BASF: A company in transition
The chemical giant has spent the last year reshaping its product portfolio, as the company prepares to split off a portion of its agricultural business via initial public offering (IPO) in 2027, according to previous AgTechNavigator reporting.
BASF sold its global glycinate business to German feed additives specialist Biochem in late 2025, as part of a reshuffling of its feed business.
These divestitures come as BASF tries to bounce back after several challenging years, amid declining sales and tariff challenges. BASF stock is trading around $12.97, up 19.10% for the year, but down 35.95% over the past five years, at the time of publication.
