Indianapolis, Indiana
October 10, 2008
Dow AgroSciences LLC announced today it is acquiring the
assets of Südwestsaat GbR
(SWS), a hybrid maize company with its headquarters near
Rastatt, Baden-Württemberg, in Germany. Südwestsaat GbR (SWS) is
a well-established German based hybrid maize company. It was
founded in 1997 based on the breeding activities of the three
shareholders whose maize breeding activity traces back to 1912.
The three shareholders are – Dr. Hans Rolf Späth GmbH & Co. KG.,
Fr. Strube Saatzucht GmbH & Co.KG and Nordsaat Saatzucht GmbH
who are all members of SAATEN-UNION GmbH. The closing is
expected in the coming weeks. Financial terms of the agreement
will not be disclosed.
SWS focuses on breeding, development, registration and
production of high performing maize hybrids for Europe with
sites in France, Hungary, Portugal as well as Germany. Under the
terms of the agreement, Dow AgroSciences would acquire the
assets of SWS to include all these activities. The addition of
SWS will build upon Dow AgroSciences’ current seeds growth
initiative for Europe joining the 2007 acquisitions of MTI and
Duo Maize.
“SWS has an excellent reputation for their breeding technology
and superior maize products in Europe and is well positioned for
growth,” said Zoë Henderson, Dow AgroSciences business leader
for seeds, traits and oils in Europe. “With this acquisition the
strengths of SWS will be combined with those of Dow AgroSciences
to bring customers additional access to industry leading
germplasm and technology.”
“SWS identified the need for a partner to achieve its growth
aspirations in Europe and with Dow AgroSciences we have found
that partner,” said Dr. Karl-Ludwig Nau, general manager for
SWS. “We are very excited about the opportunities and look
forward to being part of the global Dow AgroSciences business
and all the opportunities it will bring to customers in the
growing markets in Europe.”
SWS is the third acquisition for Dow AgroSciences in Europe
following MTI and Duo Maize in 2007. The combination of these
three companies with Dow AgroSciences will provide a strong Seed
Platform in Europe. This is strongly aligned with the global
strategy of Dow AgroSciences to build revolutionary solutions
for agriculture.
Südwestsaat GbR (SWS) is a well-established German based
hybrid maize company. It was founded in 1997 based on the
breeding activities of the three shareholders whose maize
breeding activity traces back to 1912. SWS is owned by three
member companies of SAATEN-UNION GmbH -- Dr. Hans Rolf Späth
GmbH & Co. KG., Fr. Strube Saatzucht GmbH & Co. KG and Nordsaat
Saatzucht GmbH. SWS focuses on breeding, development,
registration and production of high performing maize hybrids for
Europe. The main research centre is located at the SWS
headquarters at Rastatt, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Trials and
seed production are also carried out at multiple European sites.
Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a
top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of science
and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve
what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences provides
innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation
management, seeds, traits, and agricultural biotechnology to
serve the world's growing population. Global sales for Dow
AgroSciences LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical
Company, are $3.8 billion. |
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