Netafim

History

In 2020, Netafim held an over-30% share of the global drip irrigation market. The company recorded revenues of over $1.063 billion in 2019.

Netafim is headed by President & CEO Gaby Miodownik, and jointly owned by Orbia (80%) and Kibbutz Hatzerim (20%), following extensive bidding by half a dozen interested parties, including U.S. industrial technologies company Fortive Corp (FTV.N), Singapore's Temasek Holdings [TEM.UL], U.S. tools maker Stanley Black & Decker (SWK.N), Chinese investment fund Primavera and Chinese pipe maker Ningxia Qinglong (002457.SZ).

Timeline

1960–1965 – Water engineer and inventor Simcha Blass carries out tests on the world's first dripper device.

1965 – Kibbutz Hatzerim signs agreement with Blass to establish Netafim

1966 – Introduces world's first commercial dripper

1978 – Introduces world's first pressure compensated (PC) dripper

1981 – Opens first subsidiary outside of Israel

1998 – Merges into single corporation

Netafim produces drip irrigation systems and other water technologies intended to increase yields and improve crop production while preserving quality and quantity of water and soil fertility. The company products are designed to provide solutions in the areas of efficient irrigation, control and agronomy for a range of field crops, orchards and vineyards grown under varied topographic and climatic conditions throughout the world. At present Netafim is developing ecological solutions for producing fuel from alternative sources. Concurrently, Netafim is launching a low pressure irrigation system that offers a solution for areas where water pressure and/or electrical infrastructure do not permit using high pressure systems. This development will facilitate introduction of the drip irrigation systems into additional agricultural areas.

In early 2026, media reports indicated that Orbia was in negotiations concerning a potential sale of a controlling stake in Netafim to a consortium led by Haoyu Wang, chairman of Dayu Conserving Water Group. According to Globes, Wang, a Chinese businessman, had joined forces with the Hopu investment fund in discussions to acquire control of the company from Orbia, which holds 80% of Netafim’s shares; Kibbutz Hatzerim retains the remaining 20%. The reports suggested a valuation of approximately $1.4 billion for the transaction and noted that Wang had visited Israel and met with Netafim management as part of the ongoing discussions. The Globes also reported that previous negotiations with the Israeli private equity fund Fortissimo had stalled before talks with Wang’s group began.

As of February 2026, the proposed sale had not been completed. The reports stated that regulatory review, including potential U.S. approval due to Netafim’s operations in the United States, could influence the outcome of any transfer of control.

Dayu Conserving Water Group is a Chinese irrigation company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Calcalist characterised Wang’s bid as being financed from his personal capital, with the possibility of future integration with Dayu, and noted that Orbia might retain a minority stake after any sale.