Arysta Bought By Irish Investment Company

By Scott C. Lucas|22 October 2007

The enterprise value is approximately US $2.2 billion. The transaction is subject to regulatory review and approvals, but is anticipated to become final in the first quarter 2008.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Arysta LifeScience is the world’s tenth largest agrochemical company, with a portfolio of over 150 products in more than 125 countries and approximately 2,200 employees.

Margaret O’Connor, chairperson of IEIL, said: “We are delighted to be acquiring a truly global business headquartered in Japan and look forward to supporting the management in their growth going forward.”

Chris Richards, CEO of Arysta LifeScience said, “Our continued success comes from a culture that is relentlessly focused on delivering innovative crop protection solutions that help our customers become more successful.” He added, “Olympus Capital has provided consistent support for our growth over the last five years. We are now excited to look to the future with IEIL, who shares our vision and ambition to further accelerate our growth plans over the coming years.”

Prior to the deal becoming final, several industry companies were rumored to be in the mix as Arysta buyers, including Makhteshim Agan Industries (MAI) and United Phosphorus Ltd. (UPL). However, insiders at BCPC told Farm Chemicals International that the asking price was near double Arysta’s annual sales, which would be an extremely expensive deal.