Sumitomo Chemical has acquired Pyragro S.r.l., the subsidiary responsible for COPYR’s (COPYR S.p.A. Compagnia del Piretro) plant protection business, strengthening the Japanese company’s position in natural-origin crop protection products across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Sumitomo Chemical Italia S.r.l., the Italian subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, acquired 100 percent of Pyragro on Aug. 3. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Pyragro develops and markets plant protection products based on natural pyrethrum, a botanical insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers. The company holds registrations for a portfolio of these products in Italy and several other EMEA markets, with products aimed at organic and integrated farming.

The acquisition gives Sumitomo Chemical an established business platform that includes product registrations and supporting regulatory dossiers. The company said this will allow it to expand its professional agriculture business in the region, particularly in products derived from natural sources.

Tadashi Katayama, managing executive officer of Sumitomo Chemical, said the acquisition will help the company continue expanding its biorational business in EMEA and broaden its crop protection portfolio.

“This transaction will support Sumitomo Chemical group’s continued expansion in EMEA’s biorational business,” Katayama said. He added that the deal will strengthen its position in naturally occurring insecticides, including Bacillus thuringiensis products, while providing “a solid foundation for future development in the region.”

The acquisition fits Sumitomo Chemical’s strategy of expanding its agricultural biologicals and other lower-impact crop protection technologies. The company said the additional products and registrations will also strengthen its ability to serve customers and partners across EMEA.

For COPYR, the sale allows the company and its parent, Zelnova Zeltia, to concentrate investment on their core home care, personal care and professional businesses.

Pedro González Blanco, CEO of COPYR, said Sumitomo Chemical was selected as Pyragro’s long-term owner because of its crop protection expertise, international operations and focus on sustainable agriculture. COPYR will work with Sumitomo Chemical during the transition to maintain continuity for customers, suppliers and other business partners.

Pyragro’s portfolio is supported by product formulation development, field trials and regulatory registrations. Its products are distributed through specialized partners in Italy and other EMEA markets.