HM. Clause, Limagrain, Acquire California-based Genica Research Corp.

Taylor Hillman General

genica
HM.CLAUSE, via its parent company, Limagrain (through its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary Vilmorin USA Corp.), has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Genica Research Corporation (USA). Genica is headquartered in Dixon, California.

Created in 1999, Genica Research Corporation, parent company of Magnum Seeds and Genista, specializes in research efforts for the breeding and production of hybrid vegetable seeds. Its portfolio includes sweet and hot peppers, cucumber, zucchini, tomato, eggplant, melon and watermelon. The company has 50 permanent employees based in the US and Europe, nearly half of whom are dedicated to research and development.

The USA activities of Genica Research Corporation, including research and farm facilities located in California and Florida, will be integrated into HM.CLAUSE, Inc., based in Davis, California. The addition of these assets further enhances HM.CLAUSE’s capabilities and demonstrates its continued commitment to investing in the future of agriculture.

“Genica Research Corporation has tremendous knowledge of seed science and we are pleased to welcome their team of world class breeders,” said Matthew Johnston, CEO of HM.CLAUSE. “As much as we value genetic resources, we value people more, and this new pool of talent will boost our activities as well as complement our existing team of experts and our germplasm,” he added. HM.CLAUSE will be able to draw upon the strength of their sales networks and global technology platforms to fully leverage the newly acquired breeding capabilities.

“The management and employees of Genica are pleased to join the HM.CLAUSE and Vilmorin organizations. We have great respect for their business reputation, values and culture. We think this new affiliation will present a significant opportunity for our employees, customers and suppliers,” said Ken Owens, President of Genica Research Corporation.

The European activities of Genica Research Corporation, including greenhouses in Spain and a research station in Italy, will be integrated into Vilmorin SA, based in France. HM.CLAUSE and Vilmorin are both Business Units of Limagrain.

About Limagrain

Limagrain, an international cooperative group created and directed by French farmers, moves agriculture forward to meet food challenges. As a creator and producer of plant and cereal varieties, the Group markets seeds and cereal products intended for farmers, growers, home gardeners and for agri-food industrialists and consumers. Limagrain is the fourth largest seed company in the world (field seeds and vegetable seeds), the European leader for functional flours, and the No. 1 French industrial baker, all with strong brands on their markets. Limagrain makes sales of almost 2.4 billion Euros and has more than 9,600 employees spread over 55 countries, including more than 2,100 working in research. The Limagrain Cooperative has almost 2,000 farmer members.

About HM.CLAUSE

HM.CLAUSE is an innovation-oriented seed company whose goal is to breed vegetable varieties that meet the diverse needs of local markets worldwide. In 2008, Harris Moran Seed Company (USA) and Clause (France) were grouped together to form HM.CLAUSE, a Business Unit of Limagrain. In fiscal year 2015, HM.CLAUSE employed more than 2,300 people and generated €289 million in annual sales in over 100 countries around the world. Its investments in research and breeding represent 14% of annual sales. The organization coordinates breeding for 25 species and has more than 29% of people actively engaged in research and development activities. HM.CLAUSE’s parent company, Limagrain, is an international agricultural co-operative group specializing in field seeds, vegetable seeds and cereal products. Founded and managed by French farmers, Limagrain is the 4th largest seed company in the world, and the only leading seed company that is not also a chemical company.

For more information, please visit http://www.hmclause.com