(Burr Ridge, Ill., and Dayton, NJ - AgNewsWire) 51; Nufarm Americas today announced that it acquired Cleary Chemical Corporation, a marketer of fungicides, insecticides and plant growth regulators to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries. The acquisition, which closed December 31, 2012, will result in a significantly stronger product offering for Nufarm, which is currently the third-largest plant protection supplier in the turf and ornamental market.
 
“We are excited about the synergy and opportunity this move will bring,” said Darryl Matthews, General Manager for Nufarm in North America. “The combination of Cleary’s brand leadership in fungicides and our global scale and long-term commitment to the industry will benefit our customers by assuring them of high performance solutions for years to come.”

Nufarm leads the T&O market in selective herbicides and has a substantial insecticide offering. Cleary's extensive portfolio of fungicide brands will boost Nufarm’s market presence and make it an even more attractive supplier for golf and greenhouse/nursery customers.
Nufarm will offer the entire line of Cleary products under the Cleary’s brand name. “It will be business as usual for the short-term as we integrate the two businesses,” said Sean Casey, Vice President of Turf & Ornamentals for Nufarm. “Customers looking for products and information on Cleary’s products should continue to contact their Cleary’s representative, and likewise for Nufarm products.”

Cleary is based in Dayton, New Jersey and has annual sales of approximately $11 million. Nufarm is a global top 10 crop protection company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia with annual turnover in excess of $2.5 billion dollars worldwide. Nufarm has operations in more than 100 countries and employs 3,800 worldwide, including about 250 in the United States. Its mission of “Solutions for a Growing World” is fulfilled by its extensive activities in crop protection and a rapidly-growing seed business.