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H2>The purchase is now complete. A French breeder has finally taken over a competitor in the seed industry along with a German sugar beet breeder.
The French breeder RAGT announces that it has now completed its acquisition of the Deleplanque Group. This includes the former German family business Strube, which was sold in 2018, and the breeder van Waveren. Read also: German sugar beet breeder sold: Surprising move in the seed market
H2>French breeder takes over former competitor
The process of integration is set to begin now, according to RAGT, in order to deliver initial results in the second quarter of 2025. The Deleplanque Group, a key player in the seed business for sugar beets and vegetables throughout Europe, now belongs fully to the RAGT Group. Both Strube and van Waweren have long experiences in plant breeding and seed production. "Specializations" in the emerging entity are expected to better serve the industry in the future. In the seed market, the now finalized merger means a stronger position for RAGT in many countries. The French corporation already has a wide range of fruit varieties. With the acquisition, it also enriches its range of varieties, from which farmers are expected to benefit in the face of climate change.
H2>Sugar beets now among the top 3 fruit varieties
The completed acquisition positions RAGT as a "key player," according to Laurent Guerreiro, president of the entire group. The acquisition is seen as "a historic step," as it brings sugar beets among the top 3 fruit varieties at RAGT. With new varieties and agronomic advice, the breeder aims to better support farmers, traders, and the food industry. The new seed unit generates around 500 million euros in revenue in over 50 countries and has approximately 1,500 employees, with a total of 65 breeding programs for almost 40 agricultural species, processed in 15 seed factories, including 7 in France.
H2>These are key figures from the two breeders in the seed market
These are important figures from the breeding companies: RAGT Semences: The breeder in Rodez, France, focuses on the main crops in arable farming. Currently, around 18 percent of revenue is invested in research and development. New varieties are offered through 20 branches in 50 countries. Andreas Albersmeier is the managing director in Germany. Deleplanque: The group, based in Maisons-Laffitte, France, brings together several breeders founded in the 19th century. The international player in the seed market for beets, peas, beans, sweet corn, wheat, sunflowers, and other species has around 450 employees working at nine locations, two of which are in Germany, formerly at Strube.