Yara buys 50 percent of Swiss-based trading company Balderton

After cooperating closely for years, Yara acquired 50 % of Geneva-based trading company Balderton Fertilisers SA in October 2006.

The equity stake in Balderton, which cost Yara USD 53 million, strengthened Yara's existing ammonia and fertilizer trade position and supported growth by improving sourcing capabilities and providing new distribution channels.

Balderton became part of Supply & Trade, Yara’s new global optimization unit. The Swiss-based company is one of the leading fertilizer and ammonia traders in Europe, buying and selling about 1.8 million tonnes of various products in 2005.

Good geographical fit
Balderton’s strong position in the Black Sea region, the Mediterranean and in Africa complements Yara’s positions in other parts of the world.

In the future, Yara will buy fertilizer products through Balderton. It will also use Balderton as a complementary sales channel for Yara's own products in markets where Yara does not have a presence.

Commenting on the transaction, Yara President and CEO Thorleif Enger said; "After successfully having done business together for many years, both companies wanted closer cooperation in order to support the continued profitable growth of both companies."