In Australia, Botanical Resources Australia has been acquired by Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical for $133 million.
Founded in 1996, BRA produces pyrethrins, a natural insecticide extracted from pytethrum daisies that controls mosquitos and ticks but is nontoxic to humans and animals. The deal includes BRA’s pyrethrum farms in Tasmania.
Sumitomo already produces chemicals to control mosquitos—and the spread of malaria—in 80 countries. The company has expressed a desire to explore further applications of pyrethrins.