Monsanto Eyes Investment in Water-Purification Business

Strategic Insights -

Monsanto, a St. Louis-based company, is contemplating an investment in the water-purification business, following discussions with WaterHealth International Inc., a small firm based in Napa, California. WaterHealth's CEO, Elwyn Ewald, revealed that Monsanto initially approached him five months ago, with negotiations intensifying in recent weeks. Although the possibility of a deal remains uncertain, Ewald estimates a 50% chance of it materializing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Monsanto has been in discussions with WaterHealth International Inc. for approximately five months.
  • The talks became serious in the last few weeks, but a deal is "a long way from being finalized."
  • Monsanto proposed buying a small part of WaterHealth, with the option to acquire a majority stake at a later date.
  • WaterHealth is selling its water purification machine in India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
  • The company expects $1 million in sales by the end of the year.
  • WaterHealth's purification machine uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses.
  • Monsanto signed a licensing agreement with Maxwell Technologies Inc. two months ago to explore water purification technology.
  • Maxwell's PureBright product is used to kill bacteria in water using high-intensity bursts of light.

Statistics:

  • WaterHealth expects $1 million in sales by year's end.
  • The company's purification machine, weighing 15 pounds, uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses.
  • Monsanto signed a licensing agreement with Maxwell Technologies Inc. two months ago.
  • WaterHealth is selling its purification machine in three developing countries: India, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Sources:

  • WaterHealth International Inc. CEO Elwyn Ewald (interview)
  • John Harrington, WaterHealth co-founder ( quoted in an article)