Paine Schwartz Partners Completes Sale of AgBiTech to BASF Agricultural Solutions

In a noteworthy development in the agricultural sector, Paine Schwartz Partners, recognized as the largest private equity firm dedicated to sustainable food chain investments, announced the successful sale of AgBiTech. This Australian-based company has established itself as a global leader in biological crop protection solutions, effectively controlling crop pests in a more environmentally sustainable manner.

The agreement to sell AgBiTech was finalized in January 2026, kicking off the transaction process which received all regulatory approvals in a timely manner. The sale officially closed on March 31, 2026, with BASF Agricultural Solutions, part of the larger BASF umbrella, taking full ownership of AgBiTech.

Founded in 2000 by a dedicated farmer and scientist duo, AgBiTech has carved out a significant niche in the farming industry by developing biological crop protection products that utilize naturally occurring viruses to manage caterpillar pests that threaten important row crops. Their commitment to providing effective alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides aligns closely with the vision of Paine Schwartz, which emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices.

Throughout the period of Paine Schwartz’s ownership, AgBiTech experienced extensive growth. This was achieved through various strategies such as enhancing their commercial capabilities within vital agricultural markets, strengthening direct sales to growers especially in Brazil, and continuously supporting product innovations through investment in research and development.

Kevin Schwartz, CEO and Managing Partner at Paine Schwartz, commended AgBiTech's reputation for delivering effective and sustainable biological insecticide solutions. He commented, “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.”

BASF, being a key global player in agricultural solutions, sees this acquisition as a significant move to bolster its portfolio within the biologicals sector. Livio Tedeschi, President of BASF Agricultural Solutions, expressed enthusiasm about how AgBiTech’s innovative technologies align with their existing products, further enabling them to offer expansive biological solutions tailored for farmers in diverse geographic regions.

By partnering with Paine Schwartz, AgBiTech was able to scale up its operations and boost its global presence. It now leverages manufacturing capabilities across the United States, Australia, and Brazil, delivering effective and less hazardous solutions for pest management in various crops utilized by farmers.

As the market for biological crop protection products continues to expand, the integration of AgBiTech into BASF’s operations positions both entities favorably to leverage emerging opportunities in agricultural sustainability and innovation.

As AgBiTech embarks on this new chapter under BASF's leadership, it is poised to foster even greater advancements in the field of sustainable agriculture. This transaction not only reflects the successful partnership and growth trajectory of AgBiTech but also highlights an ongoing commitment in the industry towards sustainable practices that prioritize both agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.

In summary, the sale of AgBiTech to BASF is a strategic realignment that underlines the evolving landscape of the agricultural sector, where sustainability and effective pest management solutions are becoming increasingly critical. Both companies aim to collaborate on enhancing the availability and adoption of biological technologies in agriculture, ensuring farmers have access to environmentally friendly alternatives that contribute to sustainable farming practices worldwide.

For more information about AgBiTech, visit AgBiTech. To learn more about BASF Agricultural Solutions, check out BASF.