Koppert reinforces Brazilian position through Itaforte BioProdutos takeover

Koppert Biological Systems has reached an agreement with Itaforte BioProdutos regarding the takeover of 100% of Itaforte's share. Itaforte's activities include the production, research into, registration of and marketing of natural, microbiological solutions in combating diseases and pests in the agricultural sector.

The company concentrates primarily on fungal products produced on the basis of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Trichoderma harzianum which are registered for use within the Brazilian market.

Paul Koppert, Managing Director said: "The takeover is of great strategic importance for the further growth of our microbiological product portfolio. This gives us access to a number of products that complement our existing products. Our policy is focused on further reinforcing this range."

Henri Oosthoek, Managing Director said: "Buying Itaforte gives us an accelerated start within the growing Brazilian market. There is a great deal of demand for natural, effective solutions that are safe for humans and the environment. This expansion means that we will be able to offer our clients more and better solutions in the medium to long term in existing markets too, for instance in outdoor crops and covered crops."

Itaforte is based in Itapetininga (São Paulo) and was established in 1996 by Valentin Suchek. The company is active in outdoor crops such as soya, maize and fruit as well as covered crops. Itaforte's products are also approved for use in the growing sector of organic crops. The activities will be integrated with the business activities of Koppert Brazil. The general management of the company will be the responsibility of the managing directors of Koppert Brazil, Danilo Pedrazzoli and Gustavo Hermann.

Koppert began establishing a branch in Brazil in 2009. In May 2011, the office was moved to Piracicaba (São Paulo), an important agricultural centre, where it began searching for strategic partners in order to be able to reach the Brazilian market. This year, the company has begun registering products with the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA).