Ambienta, a European asset manager focused on sustainability, has announced the acquisition of Agronova Biotech, marking its initial foray into the sustainable agriculture sector. Agronova Biotech, headquartered in Spain, is recognised as a global leader in biological crop solutions. The company was acquired from the Iberian private equity firm Magnum Industrial Partners and the founding Casanova family.
The agriculture sector is confronted with numerous sustainability challenges, contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. The use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides exacerbates issues such as soil erosion and biodiversity loss. Agronova offers solutions to these problems by providing microbial alternatives to synthetic chemicals, enhancing nutrient uptake to maximise crop yields using organic fertilisation sources.
Agronova boasts a portfolio of over 800 products, including biostimulants and biocontrol products that assist farmers in managing biotic stressors like insects and fungi, as well as abiotic challenges such as droughts and flooding. Ambienta has integrated several companies, expanding its operations and commercial presence in key European markets and the Americas.
According to Ambienta, the acquisition is timely, as various factors are propelling the biosolutions market, which currently stands at $21 billion. These include pressures on crop yields due to environmental issues and a regulatory and consumer-driven shift towards biological alternatives from chemical solutions. Agronova is well-positioned to benefit from this transition.
Mauro Roversi, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Ambienta, stated:
“This acquisition bears a double significance for Ambienta. On the one hand, we are entering a sector which we have analysed and studied for a long time where we see strong sustainability-driven opportunities for growth. On the other, we are once again expanding our geographical reach this year by acquiring a highly visible and sought-after asset in Spain.”
Agronova operates across key European markets and the Americas, supported by five laboratories and six production facilities strategically located in major agricultural regions. Ambienta plans to utilise its expertise and network to drive Agronova’s growth through organic development and strategic mergers and acquisitions.
Olivier Lavaud, Agronova’s CEO, commented:
“We see significant opportunities ahead for our company, and Ambienta is the ideal partner to help us unlock our full potential. We share a strong commitment to supporting farmers in their transition toward more sustainable agricultural practices.”
