At the beginning of August, 2024, GDM initiated the formal integration process of KWS’ corn and sorghum assets in South America, following approval by Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE).
The KWS asset acquisition is just one of GDM’s many recent expansions. Other notable recent expansions include the acquisition of Brazil- and Argentina-based wheat breeding company, Biotrigo, as well as a push into the U.S. marketplace via multiple strategic acquisitions and partnerships. In 2021, GDM acquired Local Seed Company, a key player in the regional corn, soybean and wheat seed market in Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama. In 2022, GDM took over W.S. Seeds, which was rebranded as Mustang Seeds in 2023. Adding Mustang Seeds to its portfolio gave GDM access to farmers in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Also in 2022, GDM created Traitology, a gene discovery company in North Carolina’s Triangle Park. In the 42 years since it was founded in Argentina, GDM has consolidated its presence in more than 15 countries, focusing on research and development, particularly around genetic innovation.
The KWS asset integration under the GDM banner will be carried out “gradually and carefully”, says Ignacio Bartolomé, CEO of GDM, noting that it involves nearly 1,600 staff and collaborators.
The asset acquisition means GDM’s market share will reach 11% in Argentina and 10% in Brazil, making it one of the main players in genetics in South America. Adding KWS’s corn and sorghum assets offers a unique integration opportunity for the company, says Bartolomé, “because of our cultural similarities, complementary capabilities, and market positioning.”
“This acquisition allows us to drive the corn business in South America, increasing our sales and genetics share and accelerating the timing of our global strategy and leadership objectives in extensive crops,” he adds.
GDM has already obtained the necessary approvals from the Argentine and Brazilian regulatory agencies, which allowed it to start the planned integration as of August 1. These approvals covered structure, communication channels, visual identity, branding, work processes, among others. The company expects full integration of the assets by the second quarter of 2025. It has been operating as a single GDM team since August 1.
