Syngenta has signed an agreement to acquire a majority ownership position in each of the 5 member companies of Golden Harvest.   The current shareholders of Golden Harvest will retain a financial position of significant value in each of the member companies.  Upon closing of the transaction, Golden Harvest will become a business of Syngenta. 

Rob Robinson and Jim Sommer have been appointed as joint operating heads of the Golden Harvest business. Rob Robinson was previously Executive Vice President of JC Robinson Seeds and Jim Sommer was President of Sommer Bros Seed Co.  The previous owner/managers of the member companies will remain involved in the business. 

This new partnership will allow Golden Harvest to continue to operate as an independent brand.  Rob Robinson explains, “Golden Harvest can continue its close relationship with customers and yet access one of the largest Research programs in the industry.” Golden Harvest will also continue its regional focus; each of the member companies will continue to be responsible for their current marketing geography. 

Golden Harvest will continue to offer a full portfolio of competitive genetics and traits.  The partnership with Syngenta will allow Golden Harvest to access and participate in the strong research and technology programs of Syngenta, yet be able to continue to offer products that are proprietary to Golden Harvest.

The Golden Harvest mission of “Genetics First, Agronomy Up Front and Service Always” is a foundation to the success of Golden Harvest and will be taken to a new level.  This mission emphasizes the importance of strong genetics matched with the best traits and agronomic practices to maximize a grower’s profitability. 

Jim Sommer best summarized the new partnership, “Syngenta is a strong partner that will let Golden Harvest be Golden Harvest so that the Family Seedsman culture will live on.”

Verdant Partners LLC initiated and managed this transaction on behalf of the Golden Harvest group.  Jim Sommer stated, “Verdant’s industry experience and professional approach were instrumental in bringing this transaction to a successful completion.”

Golden Harvest is the nation’s largest independently owned seed brand and one of the fastest growing agricultural seed brands.  The Golden Harvest brand of corn, soybeans, sorghum and alfalfa is produced and marketed by five family-owned and managed seed companies serving farmers throughout the US, Europe, South America, Mexico and Canada.  These five companies share research and marketing resources, while continuing to offer local service that is at the heart of the seed industry.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market.  Sales in 2003 were approximately $6.6 billion.  Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries.  Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).