Key Takeaways
- Paine Schwartz Partners successfully sold AgBiTech, a global leader in biological crop protection solutions, to BASF Agricultural Solutions in a transaction that closed March 31, 2026.
- AgBiTech develops biological crop protection products using naturally occurring viruses to control caterpillar pests, operating manufacturing facilities in the United States, Australia, and Brazil.
- During Paine Schwartz's ownership, the firm partnered with management to expand commercial capabilities, strengthen distribution in Brazil, and support product innovation through continued R&D investment.
- Kevin Schwartz serves as CEO and Managing Partner of Paine Schwartz Partners, while Adriano Vilas-Boas leads AgBiTech as CEO and Livio Tedeschi is President of BASF Agricultural Solutions.
- The acquisition strengthens BASF's position in the rapidly growing biologicals market and complements their existing agricultural solutions portfolio across important geographic markets.
Paine Schwartz Partners & BASF's Transaction Details and Timeline
The transaction between Paine Schwartz Partners and BASF Agricultural Solutions followed the signing of a definitive agreement in January 2026. After receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, BASF Agricultural Solutions assumed full ownership of AgBiTech on March 31, 2026.
Founded in Australia in 2000 by a farmer and a scientist, AgBiTech has grown into a global leader in biological crop protection. The company operates manufacturing capabilities across three continents and distributes products for a wide range of crops across the Americas and other key agricultural markets.
Paine Schwartz Partnership Strategy
During Paine Schwartz's ownership period, the private equity firm implemented a comprehensive growth strategy focused on expanding AgBiTech's global presence. The partnership included strengthening direct-to-grower distribution channels in Brazil and supporting continued investment in research and development initiatives.
