AgReliant Genetics — the parent company of PRIDE Seeds in Canada and AgriGold and LG Seeds in the U.S. — has signed a deal to be acquired by Argentina-based plant genetics company, GDM.
GDM, which operates in 15 countries with 3,400 employees, says the deal will solidify its position as the global leader in soybean genetics, and expects to become the fourth-largest corn genetics provider worldwide with the AgReliant acquisition.
"Together with GDM’s leading soybean genetic licensing business and own brands, including Mustang Seeds, Revere and DONMARIO, this strategic acquisition, including corn germplasm rights, will enhance GDM’s competitiveness in the market," the company says, in a press release announcing the deal.
Headquartered in Indiana, AgReliant was founded in 2000 as a 50/50 joint venture between European seed companies KWS and Limagrain, selling corn, soybean, sorghum, and alfalfa seed in North America. AgReliant holds one of the world's largest North American temperate corn genetic pools and the fourth largest corn research program, notes GDM.
A separate news release from KWS says the transaction value of its 50 per cent share in AgReliant and related germplasm is in the low three-digit million range (U.S. dollars). Further financial details about the deal with GDM have not been made public.
"We are proud of what AgReliant has accomplished over the past 25 years. It successfully built a business serving North American farmers with high-performing germplasm," says Nicolas Wielandt, KWS Executive Board member responsible for its 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."
KWS says it is realigning its corn portfolio, focusing more on the European market, while expanding its existing seed portfolio in sugarbeets, cereal crops, and vegetable varieties in North America.
As for AgReliant's presence in the Canadian market, PRIDE Seeds — headquartered in Chatham-Kent, Ontario — celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2019. The company was acquired by Limagrain in 1994 and became part of AgReliant with the creation of the joint venture with KWS in 2000.
"Farmers across North America stand to benefit tremendously from AgReliant joining GDM," says Brian Barker, CEO of AgReliant, who is expected to become GDM’s North American business leader. "Together, we are combining global innovation with local insights to create a more powerful, integrated seed portfolio that delivers greater value to the farmers we serve."
The transaction is still subject to regulatory approvals in the United States by the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice. Until the necessary approvals are in place, the two companies will continue to operate separately. KWS says the sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.
Related: From King Agro to PRIDE Seeds: Celebrating 70 years in the seed business
