Valent sells Orthene insecticide product line

The sale will allow Valent to focus on its current portfolio of crop protection products, as well as what many company officials consider the healthiest pipeline of new materials in the Company's 19-year history.

Trevor Thorley, President and Chief Operating Officer of Valent, commented, "After a highly successful history with Orthene, it is appropriate for us to direct our efforts towards our growing portfolio of innovative new products and to pass this fine product to a well-established firm that is capable of continuing that winning tradition. We are delighted that AMVAC Chemical has been chosen to provide the agricultural industry with a reliable supply of this very effective and useful insecticide." 

Eric Wintemute, President & Chief Executive Officer of American Vanguard cited several reasons that make the Orthene acquisition relevant to AMVAC. "Our expertise in organophosphate chemistry manufacturing and marketing will permit a seamless assimilation of this product line into our existing operations. Our considerable sales presence in the U.S. cotton market, our continuing growth in the vegetable segment, and our recent focus on turf and ornamental applications all represent key market opportunities for the expansion of the Orthene brand. We are pleased to have the opportunity to continue to provide this technology and we expect to enjoy the type of commercial success that these products achieved under Valent's skillful management."

Under the agreement, AMVAC will take ownership of the assets of the Valent Orthene product line including all registrations, formulations and existing inventories of the agricultural and professional product lines, including the following:

• Orthene 75 S Insecticide
• Orthene 75 S WSP Insecticide
• Orthene 90 S Insecticide
• Orthene 97 Insecticide
• Orthene PCO Pellets Insecticide
• Orthene Turf, Tree & Ornamental Spray Insecticide
• Orthene Turf, Tree & Ornamental Spray 97 Insecticide

The transfer of ownership will include proprietary formulation information, registration rights, marketing materials, certain intellectual property rights and existing inventories of Orthene.