Becker Underwood announced today that it has acquired 100% of Nitral Urbana, Brazil’s largest producer and supplier of rhizobium inoculants. Previously, Nitral Urbana was a joint venture between Becker Underwood and Sr. João Jurandir. “The transaction is very positive for Becker Underwood and the Jurandir family,” commented Roger C. Underwood, Becker Underwood’s Chief Executive Officer. “Nitral Urbana is an excellent business and much of the credit for its success goes to our long time partner, Sr. Jurandir. We are pleased to have the Jurandir’s support for this transaction and for them to remain a part of the ongoing operations.“

This transaction advances Becker Underwood’s objectives of internal growth, strategic acquisitions, leading edge research, and global market expansion. Becker Underwood has increased in size and market penetration for 23 consecutive years as it grows into one of the world’s largest non-pesticide specialty chemical companies in agriculture, seed treatment, turf and landscape markets. 

José Alberto Nunes da Silva has been appointed as the new President of Nitral Urbana. Mr. Silva has an extensive background of leadership in Brazilian agricultural companies. “I look forward to my new role, working with an excellent staff and wonderful customers,” said Silva.

Greg Waibel, South America Manager for Becker Underwood, reports that Becker Underwood’s investment in South America will continue. “This deal strongly affirms our commitment to our South American operations, complementing our businesses in Argentina and Chile,” stated Waibel.

Customers and Nitral Urbana employees will benefit from new product and technology introductions, and additional Becker Underwood investment in the company and its operations. The company will continue to operate in Brazil under the Nitral Urbana name from its present location.

Globally headquartered in Ames, Iowa USA, Becker Underwood employs 305 employees, with facilities located in Ames, Iowa; Caldwell, Idaho; St. Joseph, Mo.; Saskatoon, Canada; Littlehampton, UK; Pinhais, Brazil; Toulouse, France; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Santiago, Chile, Nelson, New Zealand and Somersby, Australia.

Becker Underwood’s diverse line of products is sold in 55 countries. The company’s multiple product categories include:  seed inoculants, colorants and coatings for seeds, landscape mulch coatings, golf course specialty chemicals and bio-pesticides.