Belgium-based biocontrols supplier Biobest has announced the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire BioWorks, Inc., a Victor, NY-based manufacturer, and marketer of industry leading biopesticides.
The acquisition of its crop protection partner will allow Biobest Group to expand into biopesticides using BioWorks’ innovative portfolio of biopesticides for disease and insect control as well as its product development, marketing, and logistics expertise.
With a continued focus on the horticulture and specialty agriculture markets, and as a member of Biobest Group following the proposed acquisition, BioWorks will expand its range of biopesticide solutions for growers, enhancing the company’s contribution to reduce industry reliance on synthetic pesticides.
“Biopesticide solutions are a global strategic priority for us, and BioWorks has a strong range of products that growers demand,” said Jean-Marc Vandoorne, Biobest’s CEO. “BioWorks will continue to actively service the highly effective distribution channels it has developed over the past 30 years while adding new and unique biopesticides that will expand the range of biocontrol solutions available to growers. BioWorks will operate independent of Biobest’s beneficial insect and pollination business and Biobest’s North American subsidiaries.”
BioWorks’ headquarters will serve as the North American manufacturing and marketing hub for biopesticides for the entire organisation. The Victor, NY facility features more than 55,000 square feet and combines office, manufacturing, research and development, and warehouse space serving all North America. BioWorks also has warehouse and shipping space in Las Vegas, NV that enhances supply capabilities to growers and distributors in western regions of the United States.
“We are excited about our intended relationship with Biobest Group and how it will be transformative for the solutions and support we offer to the market,” said Bill Foster, CEO of BioWorks. “Our priority is to be one of the most important sustainable crop protection providers across North America. Growers, channel partners, and our employees will all benefit from our relationship with Biobest.”
The transaction is subject to completing customary due diligence investigations, execution of a definitive purchase agreement and satisfaction of specified closing conditions, including board approval of each company and certain third-party approvals.
BioWorks provides biopesticides and tailored recommendations that are part of integrated plant health management programs to growers in the horticulture and specialty agriculture markets.
BioWorks is a founding member of the Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA) and a proud sponsor of the AFE scholarship program, funding the ‘BioWorks IPM/Sustainable Practices Scholarship’. For additional information on BioWorks, visit http://www.bioworksinc.com
Biobest Group is a company specialised in integrated biological pest and disease control and bumblebee pollination of high value greenhouse and berry crops.
Its product portfolio features a comprehensive range of IPM solutions – including beneficial insects, predatory mites, bumblebees, insect pathogenic nematodes and biopesticides as well as monitoring, scouting and pheromone products. Biobest has local production and/or distribution subsidiaries strategically sited in over 22 countries worldwide, plus an extensive network of local specialised distributors located in an additional 50 countries on six continents.