AutoAgronom

growth-positive

Chinese company Yuanda has invested US$180m in Israeli agricultural technology company AutoAgronom to establish a factory in China to manufacture intelligent drip irrigation systems. AutoAgronom previously sold a 54% stake to Yuanda for US$20m. The partnership aims to combine AutoAgronoms technology with Yuandas marketing capabilities to tap into the growing market for drip irrigation systems in China. AutoAgronoms systems are currently used in over 70 different crops in 13 countries.

growth-positive

Agricultural technology firm AutoAgronom has been named as the only Israeli winner in the MassChallenge 2014 start-up contest. The company will receive a share of the $1.75m in grants and over $10m of in-kind prizes. The award will help AutoAgronom expand its operations in the US. The company was recently acquired by Chinese conglomerate Yuanda Enterprise Group for a reported $20m. AutoAgronoms advanced drip irrigation technology will now be brought to China. The companys technology has been used with 70 different types of crops in 13 countries.

growth-positive

Chinese conglomerate Shenyang Yuanda Enterprise Group has acquired Israeli agri-tech startup AutoAgronom for $20 million. AutoAgronoms Root Sense technology uses sensors to analyze soil and weather conditions and provides automatic irrigation and fertilization customized to each crop. The technology has shown significant traction with over 70 types of crops, increasing yields and reducing water usage and fertilizers. AutoAgronom plans to expand its market to the US and China and is in discussions to identify a strategic partner in the American market. The company intends to offer a leasing mechanism to growers to install the systems through a Fertigation as a Service model. AutoAgronom will maintain its main office and IP in Israel, with branch offices planned in China and California.

growth-positive

AutoAgronom LTD, a manufacturer of irrigation and fertilization systems, has been acquired by the Chinese Shenyang Yuanda Enterprise Group for $20 million. AutoAgronoms technology saves water and fertilizer and increases crop yield. The companys intelligent drip irrigation system is used in 13 countries and significantly improves water and fertilizer usage. The acquisition will allow Yuanda to develop agricultural manufacturing facilities based on AutoAgronoms technology. AutoAgronom believes that Yuandas marketing capabilities will help expand their products worldwide. Yuanda sees benefits in using AutoAgronoms system for farming in challenging environments. The acquisition is seen as a positive growth opportunity for AutoAgronom.