Makhteshim Agan to Combine Activities of US-Based Environmental Solutions Affiliates Quali-Pro & Control Solutions

PASADENA, Texas, RALEIGH, North Carolina and TEL-AVIV, Israel, July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Business Combination Allows MAI to Focus and Improve its Presence in the Americas

- Expanded CSI to Provide Broader Range of Superior, Excellent-Value Solutions

The Makhteshim Agan Group (MAI) (TASE:MAIN) today announced that it is combining the activities of two of its U.S.-based environmental solutions affiliates. Raleigh, NC based Quali-Pro which focuses in the Turf and Ornamental segments will combine its activities into Control Solutions Inc. ("CSI") that addresses the Pest Control, Lawn & Garden and Animal Health segments.

Control Solutions will now be able to offer to the customers an expanded portfolio of top-quality, top-value solutions, including both CSI and Quali-Pro-branded products. With an expanded range of market expertise and product development capabilities, the combined entity intends to accelerate and expand its launch of leading-edge new products.  

Mr. Shaul Friedland, Head of MAI's Americas region commented, "We are happy to enhance our offering to customers in the environmental solutions arena. Quali Pro today is one of the leading brands in the Turf and Ornamental market with an impressive portfolio. The integration of Quali-Pro and CSI is a strategic move which will enable us to provide a more comprehensive portfolio of effective products for our customers in the environmental solutions market. This move, much like the launch of fipronil based products earlier in the year, complements our overall efforts to strengthen MAI's presence in the Americas and provides us with a stronger platform for further growth."

Mr. Mark Boyd, President and CEO of CSI, added, "This business combination is forming a powerhouse for the non-crop arena - a true 'one-stop-shop' that offers superior solutions, leading market expertise, and second-to-none service to customers throughout the U.S. It is in our intention to keep and to further strengthen the Quali Pro brand for the benefit of all of our customers.

"To assure continuity and customer satisfaction, we will be keeping our sales teams intact, even after the merger is completed, with each customer continuing to work with the same sales personnel as before."

For accounting, credit and ordering questions, customers are invited to contact their salesman directly, or Control Solutions at +1-281-892-2500, attention Curtis Clark, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

About Makhteshim Agan Group

Makhteshim Agan Industries Ltd is a leading manufacturer and distributor worldwide of crop-protection products and the largest generic player in the sector. The Company supplies efficient solutions to farmers that assist them in combating disease and increase yields. In 2010 the Company's sales revenues were over USD 2.37 billion, and it is ranked number 7 in the world agro-chemicals sector. The Company is characterized by its know-how, high-level technological-chemical abilities, expertise in product registration, and observance of strict standards of environmental protection, stringent quality control and global marketing and distribution channels. For more information visit us at http://www.ma-industries.com

Contacts
Rony Patishi-Chillim
Head of Global Corporate Communication
+972-73-2321119

Mark Boyd
President and CEO, Control Solutions
+1-281-892-2500

Curtis Clark
VP Sales and Marketing, Control Solutions
+1-281-892-2500

SOURCE Makhteshim Agan Industries Ltd