ADQ, an active sovereign investor with a focus on critical infrastructure and global supply chains, is in talks to buy a 35 percent stake in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS), the vegetable seed division of Limagrain.
As part of the acquisition, Silal, an ADQ portfolio company specializing in agri-food technology, will forge a research and development partnership with LVS to establish a joint venture focused on desert-adapted vegetable genetics.
They will work together to develop cutting-edge genetic solutions to improve the vegetable crops’ capability to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as extreme heat, drought and salinity.
By leveraging LVS global expertise in vegetable genetics, research and development will be carried at Silal’s Innovation Oasis in Al Ain, a purpose-built agritech hub equipped with state-of-the-art greenhouses, growth chambers and seed testing laboratories.
This highlights the shared commitment to advancing solutions that drive sustainability and food security in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly across the Gulf region.
The transaction marks ADQ’s strategic entry into a crucial segment of the food value chain. In parallel, this research and development partnership between Silal and LVS will fuel local innovation in desert adapted seeds and contribute to the UAE’s national food security agenda.
Mansour Al Mulla Deputy Group CEO – ADQ
“Over the past years, ADQ has focused on building and growing its Food & Agriculture cluster, anchored by fully integrated market leaders across key segments of the value chain. As part of our commitment to strengthening the UAE’s economic resilience, expanding into the seeds segment represents a natural next step. It enables us to deepen our exposure to one of the most critical components of the food value chain. By combining Silal’s world-class infrastructure and innovation capabilities with the scientific excellence of LVS, we are well positioned to deliver seed innovation solutions that create commercial value while supporting the UAE’s food security. We look forward to working with a likeminded partner to help secure a sustainable and resilient food system that delivers safe, nutritious food to a growing global population.”
Sébastien Chauffaut, Chief Executive Officer of Limagrain, added that, “We chose ADQ as our potential partner because we not only have a shared vision and values, but are united in a strong commitment to long term sustainable investment and a clear focus on innovation. This potential partnership reflects our mutual dedication to advancing agricultural technologies that address global challenges. ADQ’s planned investment in our vegetable seeds business would provide important strategic support to strengthen our position as a global leader in the vegetable seed market and accelerate the development of climate resilient crop varieties. We are also excited about the potential to benefit from ADQ’s reach into attractive markets, including but not limited in the Middle East and North Africa, as part of our ongoing global expansion.”
This transaction will undergo the consultation process of LVS employees’ representative bodies, and its closing will be subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Dating back to 1743, LVS stands out for its best-in-class R&D capabilities and consistent innovation. Currently, the company operates 56 research centers across 20 countries and offers the most extensive product portfolio within the industry, covering 43 of the world’s 50 major vegetable crops.
