Paine Schwartz Partners announced it has completed the sale of AgBiTech to BASF Agricultural Solutions, a division of BASF, with the transaction closing on March 31, 2026.
The deal follows a definitive agreement signed in January 2026 and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals. BASF Agricultural Solutions will now assume full ownership of AgBiTech moving forward.
Founded in Australia in 2000, AgBiTech develops biological crop protection products that use naturally occurring viruses to control caterpillar pests in major row crops. The company operates globally, with manufacturing in the United States, Australia, and Brazil, and distribution across key agricultural markets in the Americas and beyond. Its solutions are positioned as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides.
During Paine Schwartz Partners’ ownership, the firm worked with AgBiTech’s management team to accelerate growth, expand commercial capabilities in major agricultural regions, strengthen direct-to-grower distribution in Brazil, and invest in research and development. These efforts helped the company expand its global footprint and advance a portfolio of non-toxic, targeted crop protection products.
The acquisition strengthens BASF Agricultural Solutions’ position in the fast-growing biologicals segment, complementing its existing portfolio and expanding its ability to deliver sustainable solutions to farmers worldwide.
KEY QUOTES:
“AgBiTech has built a strong reputation for delivering effective, sustainable biological insecticide solutions to farmers in key agricultural markets. We are proud of the growth the company achieved during our partnership and believe BASF Agricultural Solutions is the right strategic owner to support the next phase of AgBiTech’s development. This successful outcome reflects our approach of partnering with management teams to build high-quality businesses that are attractive to leading strategic acquirers.”
Kevin Schwartz, CEO And Managing Partner, Paine Schwartz Partners
“Paine Schwartz has been an exceptional partner in helping AgBiTech expand our reach and leadership in biological crop protection. Together, we have scaled our commercial capabilities, invested in innovation, and brought sustainable crop protection solutions to more growers in key countries. We are excited to join BASF Agricultural Solutions and believe their global platform will further accelerate the adoption of biological technologies in agriculture.”
Adriano Vilas-Boas, CEO, AgBiTech
“The biologicals market continues to grow rapidly, and acquiring AgBiTech strengthens our position in this attractive segment. AgBiTech’s proven biological technologies complement our existing portfolio and will help us expand biological solutions for farmers across important geographic markets.”
Livio Tedeschi, President, BASF Agricultural Solutions
