BASF Agricultural Solutions is set to take full control of biological insect control specialist AgBiTech after reaching an agreement with private equity firm Paine Schwartz Partners and other shareholders to acquire the company’s entire portfolio group.

 

Under the deal, BASF will assume 100% ownership of AgBiTech, including its product portfolio, intellectual property, manufacturing operations, research and development facilities, and workforce. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Financial and commercial terms were not disclosed.

 

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, AgBiTech is a pioneer in nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) technology, developing insect control solutions based on naturally occurring viruses. The company operates across Brazil, the United States, and Australia, serving growers of soybean, corn, cotton, and a range of 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.

 

BASF highlighted Brazil as a key growth market for biological crop protection. “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.

 

The company also pointed to persistent pest pressures facing farmers in the region. “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.

 

The acquisition would further expand BASF’s BioSolutions portfolio, which includes biological products designed to protect crops from diseases and insects, reduce residues, manage resistance, boost stress tolerance, and extend pest and disease protection windows—working alongside chemical solutions within integrated pest management programs.