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