This transaction marks an important milestone for Vilmorin & Cie, enabling to further focus on its strategic priorities and to reinforce its other territories as it continues advancing on its Ambition 2030 roadmap.
The seed companies KWS and Limagrain announced the sale of their North American Joint Venture (JV) AgReliant Genetics to GDM, a global leader in plant genetics. The three companies signed a binding agreement.
The AgReliant Genetics Joint Venture (50/50) was established in 2000 between Limagrain and KWS. AgReliant specializes in research, production, and sale of seeds and offers high-performance varieties for corn, soybeans and other seeds across North America.
“We are proud of what AgReliant has accomplished over the past 25 years. It has successfully built a business serving North American farmers with high-performing germplasm”, explains Nicolás Wielandt, KWS Executive Board member responsible for the corn business. “Capitalizing on the strength and experience of GDM as the world leader in soybean genetics and future owner, I am convinced that AgReliant will become a stronger player to the benefit of its clients and employees.”
With this step, KWS is consistently pursuing its strategy of long-term profitable growth and independent decision-making to support the future needs of farming. This includes the further strengthening of KWS’ leading position in key crops throughout innovations, the development of a strong footprint in the vegetable seed market, the supply for an increasing demand of plant-based protein and driving the hybridization of different crops forward.
Regarding the corn business, KWS is realigning its portfolio, focusing more strongly on the European market, where it holds a profitable leading position. In addition, geographically, KWS will expand its existing successful product portfolio of sugarbeet, cereals, and vegetable varieties in North America.
The total transaction amount for the KWS shares in AgReliant and related germplasm is in the low three-digit million range (USD). Further details remain confidential. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2025.
