Full Breakdown
Chinese Billionaire Haoyu Wang in Talks to Acquire Control of Netafim
2/11/2026, 3:30:56 PM
Overview of the Acquisition Talks
Chinese billionaire Haoyu Wang is currently negotiating to acquire control of Netafim, an Israeli irrigation systems company, from Mexico's Orbia. This move comes as Orbia seeks to divest its holdings in Netafim to reduce its financial leverage. Previously, Orbia had attempted to sell its stake to Israeli private equity fund Fortissimo, managed by Yuval Cohen, but those negotiations did not succeed.
Key Players in the Negotiation
Haoyu Wang, who resides in Maryland, USA, has been the chairman of Dayu Conserving Water Group for nine years. His company specializes in drip micro-irrigation systems, similar to those produced by Netafim. Dayu, founded in 2000, is a significant player in the Chinese irrigation market, with a market capitalization of approximately $710 million. Wang has expressed interest in establishing a representative office in Israel to explore irrigation technologies, indicating a strategic alignment with Netafim's operations.
Orbia currently holds an 80% stake in Netafim, while the remaining 20% is owned by members of Kibbutz Hatzerim, the founding community of the company. Orbia acquired Netafim for $1.5 billion, and while Fortissimo had aimed to purchase it for a valuation between $1 billion and $1.1 billion, the final price in Wang's potential acquisition may exceed this figure.
Background of Netafim
Founded in 1965 on Kibbutz Hatzerim, Netafim is recognized as the world's largest irrigation products company, pioneering the field of precision irrigation, previously known as drip irrigation. The company operates in 33 countries, manages 19 factories and two recycling facilities, and employs approximately 4,500 individuals.
Official Statements & Responses
While specific statements from Haoyu Wang or Orbia regarding the negotiations have not been disclosed, the ongoing discussions reflect a significant shift in ownership that could impact the global irrigation market.
Criticism & Opposition
There has been no public dissent regarding the acquisition talks at this stage. However, the failed negotiations with Fortissimo may indicate potential concerns about the valuation and future direction of Netafim under new ownership.
What's Next
As negotiations progress, the outcome will determine the future ownership structure of Netafim and could influence the broader irrigation industry, particularly in terms of technological advancements and market strategies. Wang's interest in Israeli irrigation technologies may lead to further investments and collaborations in the sector.
