Limagrain, through its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary Vilmorin USA Corp., is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Genica Research Corporation (USA), which 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.
