Sumitomo Chemical has completed the full acquisition of two key subsidiaries in the crop protection sector—Philagro Holding, S.A. in France and Kenogard, S.A. in Spain. This move aims to strengthen Sumitomo Chemical’s position in the European crop protection market, a critical region for agricultural production. Sumitomo has reached a basic agreement with other shareholders of Kenogard, and the acquisition contract is expected to be finalized within the fiscal year 2024.

Philagro, founded in 1993, and Kenogard, acquired by Sumitomo Chemical and other Japanese companies in 1992, have long been important players in the sale of crop protection products. Philagro focuses on France, while Kenogard operates in Spain and Portugal. Both companies are integral to Sumitomo Chemical’s strategy to expand its crop protection presence in Europe, one of the largest agricultural markets globally.

With stringent environmental regulations in Europe, there is increasing demand for sustainable agricultural solutions, including biorationals, which are expected to play a major role in the region’s future agricultural practices. Sumitomo Chemical is capitalizing on this demand by offering a broad range of biorationals alongside traditional chemical crop protection products. The company’s aim is to integrate the operations of Philagro with Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe S.A.S., its fully owned subsidiary overseeing the crop protection business across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This integration will be complemented by exploring additional business reorganization and merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities to further solidify Sumitomo Chemical's market position.

Sumitomo Chemical has ambitious growth plans for its crop protection business in Europe, with a target of more than doubling its sales revenue by 2030. The company also intends to create synergies between its chemical crop protection products, including developing potential blockbuster fungicides, and its biorationals portfolio. These efforts reflect Sumitomo Chemical’s ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture and securing a stable global food supply.

Through these acquisitions and strategic initiatives, Sumitomo Chemical aims to reinforce its leadership in Europe’s crop protection market, contributing to the region’s agricultural sustainability while expanding its footprint in a rapidly evolving sector.

Philagro Holding, S.A., established in 1993 and based in Lyon, France, specializes in the development and sales of crop protection products and agricultural materials. The company was previously owned by Sumitomo Chemical (60%), Nissan Chemical (30%), and Nihon Nohyaku (10%) before the full acquisition of its shares by Sumitomo Chemical. The company operates with a capital of 6.1 million euros and is led by President Shinsuke Shojima.

Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe, S.A.S., established in 1990 and headquartered in Lyon, France, oversees Sumitomo Chemical's crop protection business across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company is responsible for the development and sales of crop protection products and agricultural materials in these regions. With a capital of 3.99 million euros, Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, and is led by General Manager Alberto Ancora.