FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GDM Announces Agreement to Acquire AgReliant Genetics
Acquisition will unite agricultural powerhouses in soybeans and corn to cement North American leadership, drive growth and deliver greater value to growers.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (June 27, 2025) – GDM, a global plant genetics company committed to empowering farmers and advancing global agriculture, today announced an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in AgReliant Genetics, a leading North American provider of corn and soybean seeds. The strategic acquisition brings together GDM’s global scale, long-time reputation for world-class innovation and elite soybean genetics expertise with AgReliant’s market leadership in corn breeding and genetics, strengthening GDM’s portfolio of high-performing seed solutions for growers and underscoring its commitment to growth in the region.
Ignacio Bartolome, CEO, GDM
“The GDM and AgReliant teams share a commitment to helping growers get the highest yield for their fields, and we are excited to welcome them into the GDM family,” said Ignacio Bartolomé, chief executive officer (CEO), GDM. “This acquisition is a significant development for both companies and a major milestone in GDM’s growth strategy in North America. It will allow us to serve farmers with an expanded and differentiated high-performance portfolio of solutions and create new opportunities to drive innovation, accelerate business growth and lead both sides of the acres.”
Founded in 2000 as a joint venture by global seed companies KWS and Limagrain, and headquartered in Westfield, Indiana, AgReliant is a key player in the North American seed industry, serving farmers with corn, soybeans, sorghum and alfalfa seeds through its AgriGold® and LG Seeds brands in the U.S. and its PRIDE® Seeds brand in Canada. The company holds one of the world’s largest North American temperate corn genetic pools and fourth largest corn research program.
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. This expanded footprint enables GDM to offer growers a broader portfolio of solutions while maintaining the company’s focus on high performance and collaboration with the entire agricultural chain.
“Farmers across North America stand to benefit tremendously from AgReliant joining GDM,” said Brian Barker, CEO of AgReliant. “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.”
Brian Barker, CEO, AgReliant Genetics
Currently the global leader in soybean genetics, GDM is expected to become the fourth-largest corn genetics provider worldwide when the transaction is complete. The integration of AgReliant’s North American operations allows GDM to deliver greater choice to farmers, emphasizing its commitment to innovation and performance. As part of the AgReliant acquisition, Barker is expected to become GDM’s North American business leader. Philip Chandler, who currently serves as GDM’s regional business leader, will continue to oversee GDM’s legacy business in the U.S.
“This is a win-win for our teams and the customers we serve in North America, from individual farmers to independent seed companies,” said Bartolomé. “With this next step in our journey, we are ensuring they can continue to access the world-class genetics, service and long-term partnership they have come to rely on.”
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in the United States by the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, and other customary closing conditions and approvals. MAP LATAM served as advisor and Rabobank served as co-advisor to the transaction. Until the necessary approvals and closing conditions are obtained and satisfied and the transaction has closed, GDM and AgReliant Genetics will continue to operate as independent entities, maintaining their current business routines and commercial structures.
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About GDM
GDM is a global group dedicated to the research, development, and commercialization of intellectual property products in plant genetics for row crops. With an innovative approach, the company integrates advanced technologies and exceptional talent to promote innovation, collaboration, and the development of new businesses that positively impact the agro-industrial value chain. GDM operates in 15 countries and has a team of 3,400 employees.
More information: gdmseeds.com
About AgReliant Genetics
AgReliant Genetics is committed to providing trusted seed solutions that help farmers grow. They do this by focusing solely on seed and delivering one-of-a-kind, high-performing hybrids. Founded in 2000 by global seed companies KWS and Limagrain, AgReliant Genetics benefits from direct access to a global corn germplasm pool and has a top four corn research program. Through their seed brands, AgriGold®, and LG Seeds in the U.S. and PRIDE® Seeds in Canada, they proudly offer the latest innovation to farmer customers, whether they grow corn, soybeans, sorghum or alfalfa.
Discover more at AgReliantGenetics.com.
Contact:
Julianne Johnston | jjohnston@morganmyers.com | 319-233-0502
