Arysta LifeScience to acquire Etec Crop Solutions

Arysta LifeScience, a Platform Specialty Products Corp. company, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Etec Crop Solutions in New Zealand through the formation of a new entity, Arysta LifeScience New Zealand.

Etec Crop Solutions is a significant supplier of agrochemical solutions in New Zealand. The company develops and commercializes innovative high-value specialty products across the entire spectrum of pastoral, horticultural, arable, pest control, turf, and forestry markets. Since 1989, Etec has introduced approximately 160 products, developing a balanced portfolio of differentiated solutions for New Zealand growers. Key brands include Duwett, Flute, Hammer, Isomate, Magister, and Metarex.

Currently, Arysta LifeScience is offering its products — including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and seed treatments — in Australia and New Zealand through its Arysta LifeScience Australia business. Upon completion of the acquisition of Etec and the formation of Arysta LifeScience New Zealand, the company expects that its strengthened presence in the region will allow it to provide New Zealand customers with a broader range of products tailored to the unique needs of growers in this attractive market.

“This acquisition underscores our differentiated position in the Crop Protection and BioSolutions markets, in which we focus on specialty applications and tailored local solutions,” said Rico Christensen, President of Arysta LifeScience North America, Australia and New Zealand. “Etec’s focus on high-value crops and innovation fits well with the Arysta LifeScience strategy. We are excited to join forces with Etec in order to benefit from their product positioning expertise, strong presence, and important relationships in the growing New Zealand market.”

“Our companies are an ideal fit,” added John Read, Etec Country Manager. “We share a philosophy and a business strategy that focus on bringing unique, innovative Crop Protection solutions to growers. We expect the synergy of our combined companies to allow us to expand our offerings and offer greater solutions to growers across the country.”

The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2018. Under the ownership of Arysta LifeScience, Etec plans to initially operate using the Etec company name, in addition to their current brand names, until full transition to the Arysta LifeScience name.