UAE’s ADQ to buy 35% stake in global seed producer Limagrain

Dubai: Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor ADQ is in advanced talks to acquire a 35% stake in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS), one of the world’s largest vegetable seed producers. The proposed transaction marks ADQ’s strategic entry into the global seed sector, a critical part of the food production value chain.

The agreement also outlines a long-term research and development partnership between LVS and Silal, an ADQ portfolio company focused on agri-food technology. The joint effort will aim to develop desert-adapted vegetable seed varieties suitable for extreme climate conditions such as heat, drought, and salinity — key factors affecting agriculture in the UAE and wider Gulf region.

The collaboration will be based at Silal’s Innovation Oasis in Al Ain, a high-tech agritech hub featuring advanced greenhouses and seed testing labs. Limagrain will contribute its scientific expertise, while Silal provides the infrastructure and local market knowledge.

This partnership supports the UAE’s national food security strategy, which includes goals such as increasing domestic food production to 50% of total consumption and reducing reliance on imports. By developing climate-resilient seeds, the initiative is expected to improve crop yields and boost sustainable farming in arid environments.

LVS, headquartered in France, is a global leader in vegetable seed production, operating 56 research centers across 20 countries and offering a portfolio that includes well-known seed brands like Vilmorin, Clause, Mikado, Harris Moran, and Hazera.

Commenting on the investment, Mansour Al Mulla, Deputy Group CEO of ADQ, said the move builds on ADQ’s broader efforts to strengthen the UAE’s food and agriculture ecosystem:

“Expanding into the seeds segment is a natural next step. By combining Silal’s world-class infrastructure and innovation with LVS’s scientific excellence, we aim to deliver seed innovation that supports food security while creating commercial value.”

Sébastien Chauffaut, CEO of Limagrain, noted that the partnership aligns with the group’s global ambitions:

“We chose ADQ because of our shared focus on long-term sustainable investment and innovation. ADQ’s planned investment will help us strengthen our leadership in vegetable seeds and accelerate climate-resilient crop development.”

The deal remains subject to consultation with employee representatives at LVS and regulatory approvals before final closure.

ADQ has been actively building its Food & Agriculture cluster, investing in areas from farming and food logistics to retail. The planned investment in LVS deepens its role in supporting the UAE’s push toward agricultural self-sufficiency and climate-smart farming solutions.