AEA Investors’ (AEA) Middle Market Private Equity team announced that its fund has closed the acquisition of Verdesian Life Sciences (Verdesian).

Verdesian is a leading platform that develops patented biological, nutritional, fertilizer enhancers, seed treatment and inoculant technologies for high-value specialty crops, row crops, and turf and ornamental markets.

Since its establishment in 2012, Verdesian has grown into a market leader in Nutrient Use Efficiency by executing on a multi-pronged go-to-market strategy, completing six add-on acquisitions, and developing best-in-class products.

Verdesian has expanded geographically into new markets, including South America, and has filed more than 290 patents since 2014.

AEA has made a number of successful investments in the specialty chemicals sector over the last two decades. The investment in Verdesian represents an opportunity to partner with a best-in-class management team in an industry benefiting from long term secular growth, underpinned by an increasing focus on productivity, coupled with more sustainable agricultural practices that improve soil fertility and plant health.