The Holding Company and the French firm Limagrain have announced the initiation of exclusive talks regarding the acquisition of a 35% stake in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds, a subsidiary of the Limagrain Group focused on seed production.
Limagrain Vegetable Seeds, headquartered in France, is a global leader in the production of vegetable seeds, boasting extensive experience in the industry dating back to 1743. The company operates advanced research and development capabilities, with a strong track record of innovation. It manages 56 research centers across 20 countries and has the most comprehensive product portfolio in the sector, covering 43 out of the 50 main vegetable crop varieties.
As part of the proposed collaboration, Limagrain Vegetable Seeds and the subsidiary Sela, which specializes in agricultural technology, will form a partnership focused on research and development. The aim is to establish a joint project that develops vegetable seeds capable of adapting to desert climates.
The partnership also seeks to create innovative genetic solutions that enhance vegetable crops’ resilience to extreme environmental conditions such as high temperatures, drought, and salinity, ultimately aiming to boost sustainability and food security in arid and semi-arid regions. Research and development activities will be conducted at Sela’s Innovation Oasis in Al Ain, a hub for agricultural technology featuring advanced greenhouses and laboratories for seed testing. Limagrain Vegetable Seeds will contribute its expertise in vegetable genetic sciences.
Mansour Mohammed Al Mulla, the Executive Vice President of the Holding Company, remarked that the company has successfully strengthened its portfolio in the food and agriculture sector over the years, which includes leading and integrated firms across key categories in the food value chain. Expanding into the seed sector is a crucial and strategic move that enhances its presence and contributions to one of the vital components of this chain.
He added that the combination of Sela’s advanced infrastructure and innovative capabilities along with Limagrain’s outstanding scientific expertise allows for the provision of innovative solutions that deliver tangible commercial value and support food security in the UAE. The goal is to collaborate in creating a sustainable and resilient food ecosystem that ensures safe and reliable food products to meet growing demand.
Sebastien Chaufour, CEO of Limagrain, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the Holding Company, which shares similar vision and values focused on innovation and sustainable investment. This partnership reflects the commitment of both parties to develop innovative agricultural technologies to address global challenges. The Holding Company’s investments in vegetable seeds will provide strategic support that solidifies Limagrain’s position as a global leader in this sector and foster the development of new varieties adaptable to climate changes. They look forward to the opportunities that this partnership will bring, particularly in capitalizing on the Holding Company’s coverage of several promising markets, especially in the MENA region, which supports their plans for global market expansion.