Netafim News
37 articles
Private equity fund seeks local partners to compete for the world leader in precision irrigation.
Fortissimo, a private equity fund, is preparing to acquire control of Netafim, a leading precision irrigation solutions manufacturer. The fund is reaching out to local institutional investors for co-investment, similar to its previous acquisition of Cellcom. Fortissimo is competing against two foreign funds and is leveraging its relationships with Kibbutz Hatzerim, which holds a 20% stake in Netafim, to strengthen its bid. The acquisition is valued between $1.2 and $1.5 billion, with Fortissimo needing to secure additional funding. Orbia, the current controlling shareholder, is under financial pressure and looking to sell Netafim. The acquisition reflects Fortissimos confidence in surpassing competitors and securing the deal.
Acquired-by
Mexican conglomerate hires Evercore, remaining bidders include European and Israeli funds.
Orbia, a Mexican conglomerate, has put its Israeli irrigation subsidiary, Netafim, up for sale. The sale is managed by Evercore, with three investment funds, including Fortissimo, expressing interest. Orbia acquired Netafim for $1.8 billion in 2018, but the current sale is expected to value it between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion, reflecting Orbias financial struggles. The companys stock has dropped significantly, and it is burdened with $8.6 billion in debt. Netafim, a pioneer in drip irrigation, has faced challenges due to rising interest rates and a slowdown in sales. Despite these issues, Netafims revenues have shown signs of recovery in 2025.
AcquisitionManagement Changes
/PRNewswire/ -- Orbia Advance Corporation's S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ORBIA*) Precision Agriculture business Netafim, the global leader in precision irrigation...
Orbia Netafim, a leader in precision irrigation solutions, has launched Mega-PULSAR™, a new pulsing sprinkler technology designed to protect orchards from extreme heatwaves and heat stress. This innovation is part of Orbia Netafims strategy to offer sustainable agricultural solutions that address climate variability and water scarcity. Mega-PULSAR™ provides full-coverage protection for high-value subtropical crops by creating a microclimate that reduces temperature and increases humidity. The system is customizable, efficient, and reduces maintenance costs, making it an attractive option for growers. Initial installations began in Spring 2025, showing promising results in improving orchard resilience. Orbia Netafim continues to advance its mission of helping farmers grow more with less, even amid increasing agricultural risks.
Product Stage
/PRNewswire/ -- Orbia Advance Corporation's S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ORBIA*) Precision Agriculture business Netafim, the global leader in precision irrigation...
Orbia Advance Corporations Precision Agriculture business, Netafim, celebrates its 60th anniversary as a leader in precision irrigation solutions. Founded in 1965, Netafim has revolutionized agriculture by pioneering drip irrigation technology, helping farmers in 110 countries achieve higher yields with fewer resources. The company has continuously innovated, launching products like GrowSphere™ and a Hybrid dripper to enhance irrigation efficiency. Netafims commitment to sustainable agriculture addresses pressing global challenges like water scarcity and food security. With a global presence, Netafim continues to empower farmers and communities, reinforcing its role in advancing global food security and climate resilience.
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/PRNewswire/ -- Orbia Advance Corporation's S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ORBIA*) Precision Agriculture business Netafim, the global leader in precision irrigation...
/PRNewswire/ -- Orbia Advance Corporation's S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ORBIA*) Precision Agriculture business Netafim, the global leader in precision irrigation...
Orbia Advance Corporations Precision Agriculture business, Netafim, has launched its innovative Hybrid Dripline system, the first integral dripline with a built-in outlet. This technology combines the benefits of integral and on-line dripper systems, offering a leak-free, clog-resistant, and labor-saving solution for global growers. The Hybrid Dripline simplifies irrigation operations by eliminating manual tasks and ensuring consistent water distribution. It is particularly beneficial for vineyards, orchards, and greenhouses, reducing labor requirements and improving efficiency. The system also enhances irrigation processes in mining operations. Orbia Netafim plans to expand this technology across its Heavy Wall Dripline portfolio, further improving irrigation efficiency worldwide.
Product Stage
Netafim to introduce carbon credits for rice growers using drip irrigation
Netafim, an Israeli drip irrigation company, has announced its first carbon credit initiative for global rice growers. The companys pioneering drip irrigation method for rice can save 70% of the water currently used in rice production, as well as reduce fertilizer and energy usage and methane emissions. Netafim is introducing its drip irrigation in Italy, Turkey, India, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The companys new program allows rice farmers employing drip irrigation to earn cash from carbon credits. Farmers using Netafims drip lines can earn 10 carbon credits per hectare of land per year. Netafim is currently seeking companies to pre-purchase the credits to help farmers access upfront capital. The carbon credits program will be available to farmers worldwide starting in 2023.
Customers
Addressing the plastic waste issue in the horti industry
Netafim, an irrigation manufacturer, is opening a new recycling plant in Mexico to address plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability. The company follows a closed-loop model, supporting growers in disposing of plastic waste and utilizing recycled materials for their drip irrigation line products. Netafim also partners with third parties globally to increase collection efforts and prevent waste from ending up in landfills. The company aims to use 45% recycled content in their irrigation lines by 2030. Netafims circularity program educates customers on responsible waste disposal and offers a guarantee that recycled materials are used in their products. The new recycling plant in Mexico is part of Netafims commitment to supporting the growing horticulture industry and addressing environmental challenges.
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Netafim MD to drive mass adoption of precision agri
Michael Esmeraldo has been appointed as the new managing director of Netafim South Africa, following the departure of Adriaan de Lange. Esmeraldo, who has been with the company since 2015, aims to continue the companys success and support farmers in growing more with less. His appointment coincides with Netafim South Africas 30-year anniversary. Esmeraldo is focused on building a strong network in the irrigation industry and promoting the mass adoption of precision irrigation. He believes that efficiency and the responsible use of water and other inputs are crucial for modern farming. The article highlights the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry.
Management Changes
AgTech Leader Netafim to Acquire Dutch Greenhouse Company Gakon Horticultural Projects to Meet Growing Demand for Local Food Production in All Climates
Netafim, a global leader in precision irrigation solutions, has signed an agreement to acquire Dutch turnkey greenhouse projects provider Gakon. The acquisition will expand Netafims offering in greenhouse projects and enable them to meet the increasing demand for advanced farming methods. The acquisition is synergetic, combining Netafims global presence and expertise in precision agriculture with Gakons advanced greenhouse technology. Netafim aims to provide growers with a comprehensive offering of greenhouse technologies, irrigation, and crop growing expertise to maximize productivity and efficiency. The acquisition aligns with Netafims strategic priority of greenhouse projects and the importance of food security. The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. The event described in the article occurred on March 8, 2021.
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https://www.jpost.com/health-science/israeli-drip-irrigation-emerges-to-solve-rice-paddy-problem-652162
Netafim, an Israeli company, has developed a drip irrigation system for growing rice as a more environmentally sustainable alternative to flooded paddies. Rice cultivation currently uses a significant amount of freshwater and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Netafims pilot scheme using drip irrigation on rice fields has shown promising results, with equal or better quality rice produced compared to flooded fields. The system also allows for crop rotation and reduces methane emissions. While the initial investment may be expensive for farmers, the shift away from flooding is expected to gain traction. Other companies, such as Indias Jan Irrigation, are also developing drip irrigation packages for rice. The demand for rice is projected to increase, and experts agree that the sector needs to become more sustainable.
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Drip irrigation pioneer Netafim lands $85 million contract in India
Netafim Ltd., an Israel-based drip-irrigation company, has won an $85 million contract for three irrigation projects in India. The deal involves providing irrigation systems to 35,000 farmers in the state of Karnataka. Netafim will work with Indian infrastructure company Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd. This contract follows a previous $100 million deal signed last year. Netafim, a subsidiary of Mexichem SAB de CV, has gained a reputation for developing water-efficient irrigation systems. The company employs around 5,000 people and operates in over 110 markets.
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Netafim USA Enhances its Digital Farming Solution Offering with The Addition of Sentek's Industry Leading Soil Sensor Technology
Netafim USA Rebrands Its California Recycling Center As Netafim ReGen Recycling
Netafim President and CEO Ran Maidan to Step Down
Ran Maidan, CEO and president of Netafim Ltd., will be stepping down from his position by mid-2020. No successor has been announced yet. Netafim was acquired by Mexichem SAB de CV in early 2018 at a valuation of $1.9 billion.
Management Changes
Netafim Signs $14 Million Irrigation Deal in Tanzania
Israeli drip-irrigation company Netafim Ltd. has signed a NIS 50 million ($14 million) deal with Tanzania-based conglomerate Bakhresa Group to provide irrigation to 20 square kilometers of sugarcane grown by its subsidiary Bagamoyo Sugar. The project is set to last 18 months and will include engineering and agronomic support and services. Netafim aims to expand its African operations and has previously signed a $180 million deal with the Ethiopian Sugar Corporation.
Partners
Netafim wins $100m Indian project
Netafim, an Israeli irrigation company, will carry out four large community irrigation projects in India for over $100 million. The projects will provide irrigation solutions for over 60,000 farmers in over 100 villages. Netafim sees India as a strategic market and aims to help the world grow more crops with fewer resources. The companys community irrigation model is affordable and allows for the supply of advanced irrigation systems in a short time. The projects will also integrate digital agricultural systems developed with mPrest, enabling real-time control and supervision of water and irrigation systems.
Customers
Netafim, BGU, Bayer To Collaborate On Drip Irrigation Systems
Bayer, Netafim, and BGN Technologies have announced a three-year research collaboration focusing on the integration of digital tools for the optimization of drip irrigation. The project aims to further develop Bayer and Netafims DripByDrip solution, which uses Netafims drip irrigation systems to deliver Bayers crop protection products. The collaboration will involve soil research, digital prediction tools, and state-of-the-art drip technology. Research activities will be conducted in Israel at the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research of BGU and Netafim facilities. The collaboration is seen as a positive growth opportunity for Bayer.
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Mexichem CEO Visits Israel Following Major Drip Irrigation Acquisition
Mexichem SAB de CV, a Mexico-based pipes and chemicals company, has completed the acquisition of an 80% stake in drip-irrigation pioneer Netafim. The remaining 20% stake is held by Hatzerim, a Kibbutz in southern Israel. Mexichem sees this acquisition as a long-term investment and plans to focus on synergy with Netafim in the coming year. The partnership will allow Netafim to expand its operations in major markets such as India, China, and Latin America. Mexichem is considering the acquisition of other Israeli companies in the future. Netafim is the largest drip-irrigation manufacturer in the world and controls around 30% of the global market. Mexichem is one of the largest chemical and petrochemical companies in Latin America. The possibility of listing Netafim on a public exchange in the future is not ruled out.
Acquisition
Mexichem completes acquisition of Netafim
Mexican company Mexichem has completed the acquisition of 80% of Netafim, a drip irrigation company, for a company value of $1.895 billion. Kibbutz Hatzerim will continue to hold 20% of Netafim. The deal is expected to strengthen Netafims global standing in smart irrigation and expand its solutions and services for customers. Mexichem CEO Daniel Martinez-Valle stated that the acquisition will position Mexichem as a leader in the smart irrigation market and benefit from Netafims research and development capabilities. Netafim has over 4,500 employees, 29 subsidiaries, and 17 manufacturing plants, and its products are sold in over 110 countries.
Acquisition
Mexichem Receives from the Brazilian Antitrust Authority Approval for the Acquisition of Netafim
mPrest Joins With Global Agri-Tech Leader Netafim to Create an Integrated Crop Management System
mPrest has been awarded a smart agriculture project by Netafim, a precision agriculture company. The project aims to unify monitoring, analytics, and control of different agricultural activities into a single platform. mPrests application combines hardware and software to collect and analyze data points in real time, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions and control systems such as watering and fertilization. The collaboration between mPrest and Netafim will help bring the benefits of IIoT to farmers worldwide and address global scarcity of food, water, and land. The cloud-based system developed by mPrest and Netafim is among the most advanced agricultural IoT applications. The project is expected to revolutionize crop management and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Mexichem to Buy Netafim from Permira Funds
Mexichem to take over Israeli irrigation firm Netafim in $1.5 billion deal
Mexichem has agreed to acquire an 80 percent stake in Israeli irrigation firm Netafim for $1.895 billion. Mexichem will pay $1.5 billion to acquire a 61 percent stake owned by private equity firm Permira. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017. Netafim, founded in 1965, is a pioneer in drip irrigation technology and has 17 manufacturing plants and 4,300 employees worldwide. Mexichem, with a market value of $6 billion, will gain access to Netafims advanced technology and expand its presence in foreign markets. Netafim will remain independent and its core activities will be kept in Israel for at least 20 years.
Acquisition
Mexichem buys 80% of Netafim for $1.5b
The Permira fund is selling its 61.35% stake in Netafim, an Israeli drip irrigation company, for $1.5 billion, giving Netafim a valuation of $1.9 billion. The buyer is Mexican company Mexichem. Netafim is a world leader in the field of drip and micro-irrigation. The sale represents a 100% return for the Permira fund, which originally bought its stake in Netafim in 2011 at a valuation of $850 million.
Acquisition
Israel irrigation firm Netafim draws interest from 6 bidders: report
Six international companies and funds have made it to the second round of bidding for Permiras stake in Netafim, an Israeli irrigation firm. The sale has set a minimum value of $1.5 billion for the company. Netafim is hoping for a valuation of between 10 and 12 times its expected 2017 EBITDA of around $120 million. Any offer reflecting a value of more than $1.8 billion allows Permira to force the remaining shareholders to sell their holdings in Netafim. The date of the third round of bidding has yet to be set.
Acquisition
Israel's Netafim hires Goldman Sachs to handle possible sale
Israeli irrigation specialist Netafim has hired Goldman Sachs to handle the possible sale or public offering of the company. Netafim is exploring strategic options, including a share offering or sale, following its good results and positive forecast. The company has hired Goldman Sachs, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and CenterView to lead the process. Netafim is currently owned by private equity firm Permira.
Public Trading
Israeli Irrigation Company Netafim Expands in Central America
Israeli water company Netafim has acquired a majority share in Costa Rican irrigation firm RyM to expand its presence in Central America. Netafim acquired 60% of RyM, establishing Netafim Central America as its 29th subsidiary. The deal strengthens Netafims regional leadership position and provides new opportunities for growth. RyM has been Netafims representative in Central America for 25 years and has 100 employees and branches in six countries. The acquisition aligns with Netafims growth strategy and allows the company to leverage its leading technology in the world of smart irrigation.
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Netafim buys Central American irrigation co RyM
Netafim Ltd., an Israeli irrigation systems company, has acquired 60% of Costa Rican irrigation company RyM. The deal is estimated to be worth several million dollars based on RyMs annual sales of over $10 million. The remaining stake in RyM will be owned by its prior controlling stakeholders. Netafim plans to establish a new subsidiary called Netafim Central America to strengthen its presence in the region and target countries like Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The acquisition will provide Netafim with significant opportunities in the developing Central American market, particularly in the production of sugar cane, coffee, bananas, and other crops. Netafim is a global leader in smart irrigation solutions and operates in 110 countries. The company is controlled by the Permira Fund and had an estimated revenue of $900 million in 2015.
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Netafim's™ Technology Wins FIMA Prize
Netafims distributor in Spain and Portugal, Regaber, won first place in the 2016 Technical Novelty Competition at FIMA for their product DripNet PC. DripNet is a compact integral pressure-compensated dripper that operates at a low-flow rate, helping to save water, fertilizer, and energy while increasing yields. The award recognizes Netafims leadership and innovation in the field of smart irrigation. Netafims Head of EMEA Division, Gabriel Miodownik, expressed pride in the recognition and emphasized the companys commitment to helping combat global food and water scarcity. DripNet enables precise and uniform drip irrigation for open-field row crops. It can handle all water qualities and is designed for maximal durability over time.
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Selling the Desert's Water-Conservation Lessons to the Rest of the World
Netafim, an Israeli company, has developed a drip irrigation system that helps farmers grow crops with less water. The company has seen significant growth as the global demand for water intensifies. Netafims revenues have climbed from $60 million to over $750 million in the last 35 years, and it is now the leading drip-irrigation company in the world. The company is expanding its operations in India, China, Brazil, and sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on small farmers and staple crops. However, the switch to drip irrigation is costly for small farmers in developing countries, and Netafim relies on government subsidies and NGOs to make the technology more affordable. The article highlights the urgent need for water conservation and the potential consequences of water scarcity in the future.
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http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/A-drip-revolution-around-the-world-398660
The article discusses the history and success of Netafim, a company specializing in drip irrigation technology. The company was founded in 1966 and has since become a global leader in the industry. The article highlights the contributions of engineer Rafi Mehoudar, who developed numerous types of dripper technologies for Netafim. The company has faced challenges in convincing farmers to adopt the new technology, but has achieved significant growth and success. Netafim sells its products in about 110 countries and aims to continue its leadership in research and development, as well as expand into new markets. The companys goal is to transition most of the worlds agriculture to drip irrigation in order to address food scarcity.
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Netafim signs $500m bank financing deal
Drip irrigation technology company Netafim has signed a $500 million bank financing deal led by Bank Hapoalim. The financing will be used to expand the companys marketing activities and support strategic growth in developing markets. Netafim has 16 production facilities worldwide and operates in 110 countries. European private equity firm Permira Fund bought a 61% stake in the company three years ago. The financing facility will enable Netafim to reach its strategic goals, develop new products, and strengthen its global leadership position.
Investment
Netafim signs $60 million contract in India
Netafim, the global leader in irrigation, has been chosen to participate in a $60 million project in India. The project is the worlds largest integrated micro-irrigation project and will cover nearly 30,000 acres of farmland and benefit 6,700 farmers in Karnataka. The project aims to improve productivity and livelihood while saving 50% in water. Netafim, with its 50 years of experience in drip irrigation, is excited to be a part of this project and continue shaping the future of agriculture.
Customers
Netafim in Ethiopian talks to sell $200m irrigation systems
Netafim Ltd. is in advanced negotiations for a $190-200 million deal to supply irrigation systems to an Ethiopian government company. A consortium of Israel financial institutions is providing financing for the project. The deal is considered a growth-positive impact for Netafim. The key theme of the article is the financing arrangement for the project. The key issues discussed in the article are investment and partners. The event described in the article occurred on August 27, 2014.
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http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/New-Tech/Netafim-Drip-irrigation-can-increase-rice-yields-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-372141
Israeli irrigation giant Netafim, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, has found that integrating drip irrigation technologies in rice paddies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase crop yields. The company has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and prevented the penetration of nitrates into groundwater by using drip irrigation for watering and fertilization. Netafim is now yielding three times the amount of rice on their drip irrigated plots compared to flooded fields. They are launching a commercial effort among Indian farmers to demonstrate the economic benefits and high yields of drip irrigation.
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Permira acquires control of Netafim at $870m value
Pan European Permira Funds LLC will acquire drip irrigation systems manufacturer Netafim Ltd. for $870 million, including assumption of debts. The sellers include Markstone Capital Partners Group LLC, Kibbutz Magal, Kibbutz Yiftach, and Tene Investment Funds. Netafim is one of the stars of the Kibbutz Industry Association and has experienced sales growth. The company has 2,000 employees, 13 manufacturing plants, and operates in 110 countries. Netafims CEO is Yigal Eisenberg and its chairman is Israel Makov.
Acquisition
