Abu Dhabi investment firm ADQ is in talks to acquire a 35% stake in the vegetable seeds division of French agricultural company Limagrain, the group announced on Wednesday. The potential partnership also aims to collaborate on developing seeds suited for challenging climate conditions.
The financial terms of the potential deal have not been disclosed. However, the agreement would see Limagrain consolidate its various vegetable seed operations, which generated a combined EUR 796 million in sales during the 2023–2024 financial year.
Headquartered in central France, farmer-owned Limagrain is among the world’s leading seed producers and a major player in the vegetable seed segment, competing with global agricultural giants such as Bayer. The company noted that the proposed partnership aligns with its long-standing strategy of welcoming minority shareholders to strengthen its global position and innovation capabilities.
A key aspect of the proposed alliance includes a joint research and development initiative between Limagrain Vegetable Seeds and Silal, an ADQ portfolio company. This R&D partnership, to be based in the UAE, will focus on breeding climate-resilient seeds specifically suited for desert and arid environments.
Limagrain said the collaboration would accelerate its ability to innovate in response to climate change, supporting global food security efforts by improving seed performance in harsh growing conditions.
This move follows ADQ’s growing involvement in global agribusiness. In 2020, the Abu Dhabi-based firm acquired a 45% stake in Louis Dreyfus Company, one of the world’s largest agricultural commodity traders, signalling its commitment to securing and enhancing the food and agriculture supply chain.
