Yara buys remaining 50 percent of Balderton

Oslo-Yara International ASA said Jan 28 that it has acquired the remaining 50 percent ownership in the Geneva-based Balderton Fertilisers SA for US$130 million, and that it owns 100 percent of the company after the transaction. Yara said the full ownership will simplify and increase the integration and optimization of Balderton Fertiliser in Yara, and support further growth through improved sourcing capabilities and position-taking. Balderton is a leading fertilizer trading company in Europe, trading 4.1 and 2.9 million tons of various products in 2008 and 2009, respectively, with a total turnover of $2.3 billion in 2008 and $0.8 billion in 2009. Balderton’s strong positions in the FSU, Mediterranean, Asia, and Africa complement Yara’s positions and distribution system throughout the world. Balderton Fertilisers’ average annual EBITDA for 2007-09 was $35 million.