Zagro News
Zagro completes Acquisition of Orion Crop Protection
Zagro Asia Limited (“Zagro”), a public listed group in Singapore, has
announced on 30th May 2014 that its subsidiary, Zagro Singapore Pte
Ltd, has completed the acquisition of New Zealand’s largest independent
agrichemical company, Orion Crop Protection (Orion). Zagro now holds
the majority shareholding of 80% of Orion.
Orion Crop Protection is the 5th largest distributor of crop
protection products in New Zealand. It has a large product portfolio
with more than 100 products covering all major crop markets. Orion has
leading positions in several markets such as herbicides for use in
maize, forestry and pasture. Along with the core commercial crop
protection business, Orion has a small pack consumer business for retail
sale in the home and garden market.
Orion Crop Protection products are primarily distributed via rural
retailers such as Farmlands, ICD Group, PGG Wrightson, RD1, Elders and
various independents.
In addition to the two founders (who remain as Directors), Orion Crop
Protection employs 12 full time and one part time staff. Six staff are
based in the head office in Christchurch. The other staff are based at
various locations throughout the country.
It is anticipated that the acquisition will provide further
opportunities for growth. In particular, Orion Crop Protection will have
access to Zagro’s portfolio of products in crop care and other markets.
In addition, Zagro will explore opportunities to expand Orion products
through Zagro’s international network.
For more information, please visit Orion’s website at: http://www.orionagriscience.co.nz