BRANDT acquires Mexican crop inputs maker Altiara to expand in Latin America

U.S. agricultural inputs company BRANDT has acquired all shares of Mexican specialty products maker Agrícola Innovación, known as Altiara, adding two operating sites and a local manufacturing base as it expands across Latin America. The companies announced the transaction on October 5. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 2000, Altiara manufactures and distributes specialty crop nutrition products, biologicals, crop protection products and adjuvants. It operates facilities in Mexico City and Pachuca and serves customers primarily in Mexico and Central America. Its portfolio includes products listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute for use by organic growers.

BRANDT President and CEO Rick Brandt said the acquisition will allow the company to manufacture products in Mexico for distribution across Latin America, with potential logistical advantages in Central America and the Caribbean. Altiara will join BRANDT International, led by Vice President Mauricio Andrião, while retaining its name as Altiara, A BRANDT Company.

All Altiara employees will be retained. Former CEO Francisco Ortiz will remain as managing director to oversee integration in Mexico. The company plans to relaunch the business at the Expo AgroAlimentaria Guanajuato trade show on November 10–13.

The acquisition follows other moves to expand specialty fertilizer and crop input capacity in Latin America, including a new micronutrient blending plant in Uruguay.

Sources: New AG International