Netafim

Company Overview

Snapshot

Founded in January 1965 by Simcha Blass, Danny Retter, Tzvikie Keren, Avinoam Ron, and Uri Werber, Netafim operates with over 1,000 employees. The company has secured funding across two rounds from six investors. In February 2018, Mexichem acquired an 80% stake in Netafim for a valuation of $1.895 billion.

Business overview

Netafim specializes in delivering tailor-made irrigation and fertigation solutions to farmers globally, aiming to maximize food production while minimizing environmental impact. The company provides end-to-end solutions, from water sources to root zones, including irrigation and greenhouse projects supported by engineering, project management, and financing services. Netafim is also advancing digital farming by integrating real-time monitoring, analysis, and automated control systems. Additionally, it has launched a carbon credit program for drip-irrigated rice to reduce methane emissions and provide long-term income to growers. Netafim operates within the Agriculture & Food Technologies sector, focusing on sustainable farming and water solutions for crops.

Strategic signal

In February 2026, Haoyu Wang, chairman of Dayu, initiated negotiations to acquire Netafim from Orbia for $1.4 billion, with support from the Hopu fund. This potential acquisition signals a significant strategic shift for Netafim, potentially expanding its global reach and integrating it further into the irrigation technology landscape under new ownership, despite previous stalled talks with other investors.

Company Intelligence Q&A

What was the most recent product innovation from Netafim?

In February 2026, Netafim launched the Dosing 5G product range, which utilizes AI to optimize fertigation management. This new line, including products like FertiKit™ 5G and NetaJet™ 5G, aims to improve resource use, reduce costs, and protect crop quality by providing precise nutrient dosing.

What significant acquisition news emerged in early 2026?

In February 2026, Haoyu Wang, chairman of Dayu, entered negotiations to acquire Netafim from Orbia for an estimated $1.4 billion, with the backing of the Hopu fund. This potential deal follows Orbia's earlier acquisition of an 80% stake in Netafim in 2018.

What was the outcome of the acquisition talks with Fortissimo in January 2026?

In January 2026, talks between Orbia and Israeli private-equity fund Fortissimo for the acquisition of Netafim stalled. Fortissimo withdrew from the deal after due-diligence revealed discrepancies in Netafim's financial data, including higher-than-expected debt.

What new product did Netafim introduce in August 2025?

In August 2025, Orbia Netafim introduced Mega-PULSAR™, a new pulsing sprinkler technology designed to protect orchards from extreme heatwaves and heat stress. This innovation creates a microclimate to reduce temperature and increase humidity for high-value subtropical crops.

What was Netafim's major partnership announcement in March 2025?

In March 2025, Orbia Netafim partnered with Virridy to launch a carbon credit program in Turkey. This initiative aims to reduce methane emissions from rice cultivation and provide additional long-term income to growers.