Rovensa Group joins agricultural industry leaders to introduce closed transfer system technology for European Farmers

From June 2021, Rovensa Group, Belchim Crop Protection, FMC Corporation join forces with ADAMA, BASF, Certis Europe, Corteva Agriscience, Nufarm and Syngenta to introduce easyconnect closed transfer system(CTS) into the European market.

The easyconnect CTS is developed for liquid crop protection products and consists of two components: a unique cap – pre-fitted on the containers – and a coupler, which together establish the CTS.

“We welcome Belchim, FMC and Rovensa joining us in our commitment to provide farmers an innovative solution to fill their sprayers faster and more easily, with increased safety for them and the environment,” explained Louise Brinkworth, Stewardship Leader EMEA, Corteva Agriscience, and chair of the easyconnect CTS Working Group steering committee. “Now, we are a total of nine agricultural industry leaders offering farmers an even broader choice of products compatible with easyconnect.”

“The easyconnect CTS is perfectly in line with our commitment to help farmers to handle the crop protection products safely for health and environment. We are supporting the European Green Deal project and we want to be an active player, helping in the achievement of the defined goals. We are joining an impressive group of agriculture industry leaders,  all together, we will contribute and help agriculture to reach new levels of health and safety standards,” explained Eric van Innis, CEO of Rovensa Group.

The first market launch is expected in Denmark and the Netherlands in 2022, followed by France, Germany and the United Kingdom in 2023. Other countries are likely to follow.

Developed by BASF in collaboration with third-party equipment manufacturers, easyconnect has been extensively tested on-farm across Europe since 2015. Based on farmers’ feedback, the system has been steadily improved in terms of handling and speed, making filling faster than via the commonly used induction hopper.

About easyconnect and the easyconnect Working Group

easyconnect is a closed transfer system (CTS) for liquid crop protection products that consists of two components: a unique cap – pre-fitted on the containers – and a coupler. It makes filling the sprayer faster, easier and safer than conventional methods. Developed by BASF in collaboration with third-party equipment manufacturers, easyconnect is accessible to all interested parties in the market. The easyconnect Working Group consists of interested companies that are piloting easyconnect in selected countries. As of June 2021, they are ADAMA, BASF, Belchim Crop Protection, Certis Europe, Corteva Agriscience, FMC Corporation, Nufarm, Rovensa Group and Sygenta.

+info www.easyconnect.tech

ORO AGRI IS NOW A ROVENSA COMPANY

OroAgri

Lisbon, January 29th, 2021 – Rovensa has completed the acquisition of Oro Agri, a leading provider of environmentally friendly biocontrol solutions, with products sold in more than 80 countries.

Effective since January 20th, Oro Agri will reinforce Rovensa’s portfolio in the agricultural biologicals sector as well as provide an entry of Rovensa into new strategic markets such as the US, Asia, and South Africa.

‘Oro Agri will be a positive driver for Rovensa’s growth strategy, not only in dimension and global reach, but specially in value proposition. Rovensa aims to continuously expand its portfolio towards more sustainable solutions for agriculture, with lower impact on environment. With Oro Agri’s patent-protected and registered biological solutions, we will strength our positioning as a leading independent provider of biological solutions globally’, comments Eric van Innis, Rovensa CEO.

Erroll Pullen, CEO of Oro Agri, sees the acquisition as a win for both organizations. ‘Oro Agri now can offer an extensive library of new sustainable active ingredients and bio-nutrition solutions to our customers. We are particularly excited about Rovensa’s organic and biological portfolio. It opens great opportunities for the Oro Agri business. And, as we move forward, the commitment Rovensa has made to be a leader in this increasingly important market segment means Oro Agri will be able to offer our customers the cutting-edge in biocontrol solutions. For Rovensa and its related businesses, we can offer a turn-key sales and marketing team in important markets such as North America.’

By combining the strengths of both companies, Rovensa will consolidate its strong commitment towards its goal of leading the change in agriculture by focusing on safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly solutions, by continuously developing the most innovative products for the environment, farmers and people´s health. With the biological and certified organic Oro Agri solutions, Rovensa further strengths its portfolio of sustainable solutions for agriculture.

The European Commission awarded Rovensa’s Idai Nature as the Most Sustainable Company in Europe

On 3 November 2020 the European Commission announced Rovensa’s Idai Nature as winner of the 2020-2021 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE). The EBAE recognise businesses that produce maximum economic value with minimum environmental impact.

Rovensa’s company Idai Nature proved to successfully combine innovation, competitiveness, and outstanding environmental performance, winning the 2020-2021 competition over 94 candidates from 16 European countries.

Eric van Innis, CEO of Rovensa, stated that “sustainability is for our Group the only possible way, since our work, with which we intend to grow not only in size but also in values, seeks to leave a better world for the next generations.” “Our large portfolio intends to cover agriculture needs, seeking the best possible combinations for the environment, farmers and people health”, he added.

During the ceremony, Carlos Ledó, Idai Nature’s Founder and CEO stressed: “We are honoured to receive such an important award, which acknowledges the core value on which the company and the Group are based. Knowing that all our work is aimed at creating a better world for our children is the greatest award.”

Gilles Gantelet, Director at the European Commission’s DG Environment, said: “This year’s EBAE Winners prove once again that whatever the size of the company, and wherever it is based, economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand. These innovative businesses are Europe’s pride, and our allies in transforming the Union into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases by the year 2050.”

The European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) celebrate companies at the forefront of eco-innovation, or that have a respect for the environment at the very core of their business principles.

Idai Nature won the category of Product & Services Award, that recognises the successful placing on the market of a new product or service that makes an outstanding contribution to sustainable development.  The company offers natural solutions for growing fruits and vegetables without chemical residues, using botanical extracts and minerals, caring for the environment and farmers and people health.

ROVENSA Group integrates several companies and different business units with a complementary portfolio of solutions and a common objective:  change the agriculture model with a new Well Balanced Agriculture concept. Today, Rovensa is the global leader of sustainable solutions to agriculture.

Read more about the 2020-20201 EBAE Winners here.

Rovensa to acquire Oro Agri, a leading provider of environmentally friendly biocontrol solutions

biocontrolsolutions

Lisbon, October 19th, 2020 – Rovensa has agreed to acquire Oro Agri, a leading provider of environmentally friendly biocontrol solutions with international reach, from the Omnia Group.

Oro Agri has delivered an impressive track record of growth over the past two decades, supported by a high-quality portfolio of patent-protected biological products. The acquisition of Oro Agri reinforces Rovensa as the leading independent provider of biological solutions globally and further expands its geographical footprint, particularly across the US, Asia and South Africa. Rovensa looks forward to partnering with Erroll Pullen (Founder and CEO of Oro Agri) and his outstanding management team to accelerate Oro Agri’s expansion by leveraging Rovensa´s platform to exploit further growth opportunities.

Eric van Innis, CEO of Rovensa, stated: “Oro Agri has built an impressive biologicals business, with a worldwide renowned brand. Its regulatory and intellectual property strength, as well as its customer-oriented, technical go-to-market strategy with a boots on the ground approach are squarely aligned with Rovensa´s philosophy and principles. We are extremely excited to welcome Oro Agri into Rovensa. Its ambitious and talented management team, a highly promising product pipeline and the significant opportunities arising from the integration within the wider Rovensa group will be important drivers of our continued development.”

Erroll Pullen, Founder and CEO of Oro Agri, said: “It has taken us twenty years, from a one- man start-up to establishing leadership, product portfolio and distribution network across more than 75 countries. Recognition of these virtues by growers and distributors has recently opened the door for Oro Agri to significantly expand its North American distribution, doubling the number of outlets in the US. In Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia our teams are also busy with substantial distribution expansions. Being part of Rovensa is very exciting for our personnel as we see many new doors opening for the introduction of complementary products. I could not be more excited and my senior management staff is elated.“

Completion of the acquisition is expected to take place prior to 2020 year end and remains subject to the approval of the shareholders of Omnia Holdings Limited, as well as certain merger control and other clearances.

Rovensa’s portfolio of innovative agricultural solutions and technologies helps farmers enhance crop yields and provide food security. Rovensa has three divisions: BioControl, which offers solutions based on biological inputs, such as plant extracts and micro-organisms; BioNutrition, which provides agricultural crops with specialty nutrition solutions for growth and healthy development; and Crop Protection, which eliminates and prevents biological threats in crops. Rovensa specialises in formulating sustainable products which reduce agriculture’s environmental impact, combat its contribution to climate change and support the cultivation of healthy food.

Advisers to Rovensa were: HSBC, J.P. Morgan, Uría Menéndez, McKinsey, Context, PWC and ERM.

Rovensa acquired by Partners Group

sustainableagriculture rovensa

Lisbon, July 17th , 2020 – Partners Group, the global private markets investment manager, has on behalf of its clients agreed to acquire a major equity stake in Rovensa (“Rovensa” or “the Company”), a leading provider of specialty crop nutrition, biocontrol and protection products, from Bridgepoint, a major international private equity group. The transaction values the Company at an enterprise value of around EUR 1 billion.

Rovensa’s portfolio of agricultural solutions and technologies helps farmers to enhance crop yields and provide food security. Founded in 1926 and headquartered in Portugal, the Company has three divisions: BioNutrition, which provides agricultural crops with nutrients for growth and healthy development; Crop Protection, which eliminates or prevents biological threats in crops; and BioControl, which offers products based on biological inputs, such as plant extracts and micro-organisms. Rovensa specializes in formulating sustainable products which reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, combat its contribution to climate change and support the cultivation of healthy food. Its products are sold in more than 70 countries and generate an annual revenue of approximately EUR 360 million.

Following the investment, Partners Group will work closely with Rovensa’s management team, led by Chief Executive Officer Eric van Innis, on several key strategic initiatives, including the accelerated development of the company’s leading biological solutions portfolio, the continued internationalization of the company, and select further acquisitions to continue to build its capabilities. In addition, Partners Group plans to continue to support the company’s research and development culture, focusing on high-growth market niches.

Eric Van Innis, Chief Executive Officer, Rovensa, says: “We have benefitted greatly from Bridgepoint’s ownership since 2017 and our recent growth trajectory reflects this. However, with a growing global population, ambitious environmental targets, and health concerns, the agricultural sector remains essential and we believe its strategic importance ensures there are further exciting growth opportunities ahead. We are convinced that Partners Group, with its global presence and focus on entrepreneurial ownership, is the right partner with which to continue building Rovensa’s platform and seize those opportunities. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with Partners Group’s team in this next phase of growth and to corresponding to their trust in our project.”

Andrew Deakin, Managing Director, Private Equity Directs Europe, Partners Group, states: “Rovensa represents a great opportunity to support a resilient business in a market characterized by steady long-term growth. The Company is ideally positioned to capitalize on the growing trend towards sustainable agricultural products, which will be a core element of the strategy we will continue to pursue. We were attracted to the Company’s reputation, talented management team and high-quality product portfolio and see compelling potential for accelerated growth. We are very excited about this meaningful investment in Iberia and are looking forward to supporting Rovensa’s continued growth journey.”

Hector Perez, partner responsible for Bridgepoint’s investment activities in the Iberian region, says: “We are extremely pleased with the progress made by Rovensa since our acquisition in 2017. Today it leads the field globally in BioSolutions and its products have become a prominent component in sustainable agriculture. The business has made a significant leap forward both through continued organic development, fueled by its product innovation capabilities, and through the execution of six strategic add-on acquisitions. We have enjoyed an extremely productive relationship with a talented management team, led by Eric van Innis and Nuno Loureiro, and are confident of the continued growth of the business in its sector.”

After selling its original interest to Partners Group, Bridgepoint re-invested in Rovensa through a different fund, alongside Partners Group.

Rovensa expands its biocontrol business unit by acquiring Grupo Agrotecnología

Lisbon, March 26th , 2020 – Idai Nature, the biocontrol business unit of ROVENSA, an international group with innovative solutions for well balanced agriculture, announces today the acquisition of Grupo Agrotecnología. Based in Orihuela, Spain, Grupo Agrotecnología is a leading company specialized in biological plant protection solutions with a particular focus on microbial technologies.

This is the third acquisition of Rovensa’s biocontrol business unit, reinforcing the Group’s compromise towards its goal of leading the change in agriculture by focusing on safe, healthy and environmentally friendly solutions. Rovensa has now a stronger and wider portfolio of registered biocontrol products for a large range of crops, which will help to expand its biocontrol business.

“The acquisition of  Grupo Agrotecnología will bring together two major strengths: Rovensa innovative biological crop solutions focused on plant extracts and  Grupo Agrotecnología strong expertise in  microbial-based biopesticides” explains Rovensa CEO, Eric van Innis, adding that “Rovensa will continue to explore new opportunities to complement organic growth with acquisitions so that it can fulfil its mission to feed the planet with safe and healthy solutions enabling a well balanced agriculture”.

Carlos Ledó, COO of Biocontrol, states “we are very proud and happy to Grupo Agrotecnología on board.  Grupo Agrotecnología, under the leadership of the founding Riquelme family, will maintain its independence and will be integral in achieving our goal of becoming a world leader in biocontrol for sustainable agriculture”.

Rovensa Expands its biocontrol business unit by acquiring Agrichem Bio in Spain

Lisbon, February 4th, 2020 – Idai Nature, the biocontrol business unit of ROVENSA, an international group with innovative solutions for well balanced agriculture, announces today the acquisition of Agrichem Bio, S.A. and Even Agro, S.L. (together “Agrichem Bio”) a leading company specialized in biological plant protection solutions in Iberia, headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

This acquisition reinforces Rovensa´s biocontrol business unit, managed by Idai Nature, towards its goal of leading the change in agriculture by focusing on safe, healthy and environmental friendly solutions. With over 40 years of history, Agrichem Bio introduced the first biopesticides in the Iberian market and has today the largest portfolio of biocontrol products registered in Iberia.

“The acquisition of Agrichem will bring together two major strengths: Rovensa innovative biological crop solutions and Agrichem strong expertise in  biopesticides registration, especially in the field of microorganisms and plant extracts” explains Rovensa CEO, Eric van Innis, adding that “this demonstrates the group strong commitment to innovation and sustainability towards a well balanced agriculture in order to ensure safe, healthy and environmentally friendly solutions. All this to benefit our customers and society”.

With this acquisition, Rovensa has now a stronger and wider portfolio of registered biocontrol products for a large range of crops, which will help to expand its biocontrol business, led by one of the companies of the group, Idai Nature.

Carlos Ledó, CEO of Idai Nature, declares “we are very proud and happy to have Agrichem Bio on board. Agrichem Bio will maintain its independence and will be integral in achieving our goal of becoming a world leader in biocontrol through sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions”.

Rovensa acquires Rodel Company in Ecuador

Lisbon, December 4th, 2019 – Rovensa has completed the acquisition of the Ecuadorian company Rodel Flowers (“Rodel”), which will be integrated into Rovensa Crop Nutrition business unit (“Tradecorp”).

With over 20 years of history, Rodel has been an important partner for Tradecorp in Ecuador, being its exclusive distributor of chelates and biostimulants ranges. Rodel currently holds a leading position in the distribution of crop nutrition specialised products to the flowers market in Ecuador.

Eric van Innis, CEO of Rovensa, underlines that “Rodel represents a compelling opportunity to extract synergies among Rovensa business units”, explaining that “the company’s network and local structure will serve as a local platform to leverage our growth in the Ecuador, not only in flowers but also by expanding into other crops. ”

With this acquisition, Rovensa is “on track to be a global partner with unique and innovative solutions, adapted for all crops and local specific needs, covering most of the plant input spectrum in major world markets.”

Following this acquisition, Eric van Innis notes that “Rovensa will continue to explore new opportunities to complement organic growth with acquisitions so that it can fulfil its mission to feed the planet with safe and healthy solutions enabling a balanced and sustainable agriculture.”