ADQ to acquire strategic stake in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds and launch joint venture for desert-adapted crops in Abu Dhabi

ADQ and Limagrain, an agricultural cooperative and international seed group, have entered into exclusive discussions for ADQ to acquire a 35 per cent stake in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS), the vegetable seed division of Limagrain.

As part of the proposed collaboration, LVS and Silal, an ADQ portfolio company specialising in agri-food technology, plan to establish a research and development partnership, leading to the creation of a joint venture focused on desert-adapted vegetable genetics.

The collaboration aims to develop innovative genetic solutions that enhance the resilience of vegetable crops to extreme environmental conditions such as extreme heat, drought, and salinity. Research and development would be conducted at Silal’s Innovation Oasis in Al Ain Region, a purpose-built agritech hub equipped with state-of-the-art greenhouses, growth chambers, and seed testing laboratories, while LVS will contribute its global expertise in vegetable genetics. The partners are committed to advancing solutions for sustainability and food security in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly across the Gulf.

The envisaged transaction represents a strategic entry by ADQ into a vital segment of the food value chain. In parallel, the research and development partnership between Silal and LVS would accelerate local innovation in desert adapted seeds and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s national food security agenda. Developing climate resilient seed varieties is essential for enhancing crop yields and ensuring reliable food supply, both of which are central to achieving the UAE’s long-term objectives, including increasing domestic food production to 50 per cent of total consumption and reducing reliance on imports.

Mansour Al Mulla, Deputy Group CEO of ADQ, said: “Over the past several years, ADQ has focused on building and growing its Food and 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, CEO of Limagrain, said: “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 to, the Middle East and North Africa, as part of our ongoing global expansion.”

Headquartered in France, LVS is a global leader in the vegetable seeds industry, with a history dating back to 1743. Renowned for its best-in-class R&D capabilities and consistent innovation, LVS operates 56 research centres across 20 countries and offers the most extensive product portfolio within the industry, covering 43 of the world’s 50 major vegetable crops.

Its global manufacturing footprint includes eight facilities across six countries in Europe, North America, and Asia. LVS’s seed portfolio includes globally renowned brands such as Vilmorin, Mikado, Harris Moran, Clause, and Hazera, serving growers across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and Africa.

This transaction will need to undergo the consultation process of LVS employees' representative bodies, and its closing is subject to regulatory approvals.