Sumitomo Chemical has entered into an agreement to acquire 45 per cent stake in Excel Crop Care from its promoters and certain public shareholders, including Ratnabali Group and Aditya Goenka for ₹ 623 crore.

The Japanese conglomerate has also made an open offer to buy another 30 per cent (33.02 lakh shares) from common shareholders at ₹1,259.36 a share at an investment of ₹416 crore.

According to the share sale agreement signed, the promoters of Excel Crop Care, the Shroff family, would divest about 25 per cent, while Ratnabali Group would offload another 20 per cent to Sumitomo at ₹1,259.36 a share, valuing the company at about ₹1,386 crore. The transaction is subject to certain conditions to close, including regulatory approvals, said the company in a statement on Monday.

Founded in 1941, the agrochemical business of Excel Industries was spun off into a separate entity in 2003 with an objective to focus more on chemicals and agrochemical sectors separately.

Strategic move As a part of the strategic direction, the Shroff family has decided to focus on specialty chemicals, pharma intermediates, pharma actives, performance chemicals and environment and biotech products as a primary area for future activities across its group.

With Excel Crop Care’s strong manufacturing capabilities, coupled with Sumitomo’s research capabilities, the promoters feel the company will reach greater heights enabling Indian farmers to access newer technologies and products.

Dipesh Shroff, Managing Director, ECCL, said the Japanese company has the right resources and expertise for its next phase of growth.

Ray Nishimoto, Director and President of Health and Crop Sciences Sector, Sumitomo, said Excel’s robust off-patent product portfolio and low-cost modern manufacturing facilities will help increase its market share in the agrochemical market, both in India and worldwide.

On Monday, shares of Excel Crop ended flat at ₹1,220, on the BSE.

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