Key Takeaways:
- H.I.G. Capital has acquired a majority stake in Life Agro, a prominent Brazilian specialty agricultural inputs provider.
- Life Agro will continue under the leadership of its founder and CEO, Matias Ezequiel Tiecher, who retains a significant ownership stake.
- Life Agro’s product lineup includes eco-friendly alternatives like adjuvants, biostimulants, micro fertilizers, and biological crop protection.
- This acquisition is H.I.G.’s first investment in the Latin American agricultural sector, marking a step in their regional expansion.
- Life Agro has experienced a 45% compound annual growth rate over the past five years.
H.I.G. Capital Expands Portfolio with Life Agro Investment
H.I.G. Capital, a global alternative investment firm managing $65 billion, has acquired a majority stake in Life Agro, a Brazilian leader in specialty agricultural inputs (SAI). This acquisition represents H.I.G.’s first investment in the Latin American agricultural sector, reflecting the firm’s commitment to sustainable growth opportunities in the region.
Life Agro Maintains Leadership and Growth Focus
Under the terms of the acquisition, Matias Ezequiel Tiecher, Life Agro’s founder and CEO, will continue in his role and retain a significant ownership stake. Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“We are thrilled to welcome H.I.G. as a strategic partner. Its global presence and resources will be instrumental as we grow and innovate,” said Matias Ezequiel Tiecher. “With H.I.G.’s support, we look forward to expanding our product offerings and strengthening our presence across key agricultural markets.”
Broad Product Portfolio and Innovative Market Strategy
Life Agro, based in Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil, serves the South and Midwest regions—key agricultural hubs in Brazil. The company has built a robust product portfolio that includes adjuvants, biostimulants, micro fertilizers, and biological crop protection products. Its go-to-market strategy focuses on strong partnerships with local resellers, backed by an extensive sales network, enabling significant market reach and customer engagement.
Over the past five years, the company has achieved an impressive compound annual growth rate of 45%.
Commitment to Sustainability and ESG Principles
Sustainability is at the core of the Brazilian Ag input’s operations, with ESG principles embedded across its product lines. The company’s offerings include eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical-based crop protection, reducing environmental impact and supporting sustainable farming practices in Brazil.
“We are excited to partner with Life Agro, its talented management team, and its founding shareholder as the company embarks on its next growth phase,” stated Thiago Miskulin, Managing Director in H.I.G.’s Rio de Janeiro office. “We look forward to supporting the company as it expands its market reach and continues to lead the shift towards eco-friendly crop protection.”
Strategic Move for H.I.G. in Latin America
H.I.G.’s acquisition of the company aligns with the firm’s regional expansion goals in Latin America. The investment allows H.I.G. to tap into the growing agricultural sector in Brazil, particularly within the specialty agricultural inputs space, which has seen increased demand for sustainable solutions.
“This acquisition marks H.I.G.’s first investment in the agricultural sector in Latin America and is an important step in our regional expansion,” said Fernando Marques Oliveira, Managing Director and Head of H.I.G. Latin America. “Life Agro’s strong market position, growth profile, and commitment to sustainability make it a perfect fit for our portfolio.”
