Gowan crop protection opens UK office at Rothamsted Research

Gowan Crop Protection Limited (Gowan), an affiliate of Gowan Company, L.L.C., announced recently that it has opened a new office at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, England to manage its growing business in the UK and its international operations. Gowan Comercio Internacional e Servicos Limited (GCIS), the Portugal-based entity that previously facilitated Gowan's international operations, will cease to operate and Gowan Crop Protection Limited will take on the business. The transaction is planned to take effect September 2nd, 2016.

GCIS was formed in 2004 to bring Gowan's products to the world stage and better position the company as a global player in the crop protection industry. Since then, the company's worldwide presence has developed steadily and GCIS has outgrown its existing infrastructure, resulting in the need for a more centralized and coordinated office from which to manage Gowan's international business activities. A number of factors were considered in determining where to establish domicile for the new office including tax burden and tax treaties, employee availability and skill level, business and employment law, and global accessibility, particularly from the U.S. and Europe. After much consideration it was agreed that The Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise (RoCRE) in the UK is the optimal location for this new international hub. Juli Jessen, Gowan Group CEO stated, "RoCRE presents an exceptional opportunity for us to find a home that fits our 'muddy boots' culture and we are excited to be surrounded by innovators in agriculture."

RoCRE is a unique center focused on promoting collaboration and innovation by partnering with commercial agriculture technology businesses and advancing the research process. RoCRE is part of the historical Rothamsted Research located in the Hertfordshire countryside, served by excellent transport links to London and the rest of Europe. Renowned for its expertise as the world's oldest agri-science research center, RoCRE offers a range of facilities, including state-of-the-art conference facilities, flexible laboratory space and meeting hubs, providing exciting opportunities for Gowan's international business to thrive.