
Biobest is a global leader in biological crop protection and natural pollination.
* Sofina is represented in the decision-making bodies of the company.
Sector
Consumer and retail
Shareholding percentage
5.8%
International presence
70+ countries
Founded in 1987, Biobest was the first company to commercialise bumblebees. Over the years, it has diversified its activity towards biological crop protection by developing a large portfolio of beneficial insects and mites mainly for covered crops. These natural products are an alternative to chemical pesticides and allow to limit the use of the latter to a last resort in the framework of an integrated pest management program.
Based in Westerlo (Belgium), the company has production and sales entities on five continents allowing it to serve its local customers with a tailored offering, being either agricultural growers or distributors. The consulting and advice dimension of Biobest’s offering is ensured by a network of technical experts, constituting a key asset in Biobest’s value proposition. The company is committed to an organic growth strategy, supported by environmental, societal, demographic, and regulatory tailwinds. In addition, the company is engaged in a strategy of consolidation in a sector that is still fragmented at the global level, which has resulted in the acquisitions in 2022 of Plant Products in North America, Agrononologica Unip in Portugal and Biopartner in Poland.
Investment history
Belgium | 2022
Sofina invested in Biobest in 2022 through a capital increase to finance the acquisition of Biobest’s main distributor, the Canadian company Plant Products. Following this transaction, Sofina became a minority shareholder of Biobest alongside Floridienne, a controlling shareholder since 2006, and Mérieux Equity Partners, which joined in 2018.