Acquisition to Boost Seminis’ S. American Sales

Seminis Vegetable Seeds in Saticoy has acquired the vegetable seed component of Brazil-based Agroceres from a division of Monsanto.

The acquisition will allow Seminis to increase its business in the South American market, company officials said. The transaction also increases Seminis’ market share in the region through the incorporation of additional product lines.

Agroceres breeders specialize in seed varieties developed for tropical and subtropical environments.

As part of the agreement, Seminis will market vegetable seeds under the Agroceres name for a limited time. The company will also introduce the brand Horticeres, a trademarked name used in the past by Agroceres and acquired by Seminis in the transaction.

With the acquisition, Seminis gains about 160 Agroceres employees, plus two research stations and three seed production units. The Agroceres grains seed division will remain with Monsanto.