Abu Dhabi’s ADQ to take 35% stake in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds

UAE – ADQ, the Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investment company, has entered exclusive discussions to acquire a 35 percent stake in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS), the vegetable seed arm of France’s Limagrain Group.

The proposed deal also includes plans to set up a joint research venture with Silal, ADQ’s agri-food portfolio company, to develop seed varieties suited for desert farming.

The move aligns with the UAE’s national push to improve food production in dry regions and reduce reliance on imported food.

LVS brings deep expertise in vegetable genetics, while ADQ offers regional reach and a growing platform of food and agriculture investments.

A shared focus on food security

LVS runs 56 research centers across 20 countries and supplies seeds for 43 of the world’s 50 main vegetable crops. The company’s brands – Vilmorin, Mikado, Harris Moran, Clause, and Hazera -are used by growers across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Silal and LVS plan to establish a research facility at the Innovation Oasis in Al Ain. The center is equipped with greenhouses, growth chambers, and labs for seed testing. The partnership will focus on vegetable varieties that can grow in high heat, drought, and salty soil.

Mansour Al Mulla, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said the move strengthens the company’s efforts to build a self-reliant food system and secure one of the most important segments of the food value chain. He explained that expanding into seeds fits naturally into ADQ’s growing food and agriculture cluster.

“By combining Silal’s world-class infrastructure and innovation capabilities with the scientific excellence of LVS, we are well-positioned to deliver seed innovation solutions that create commercial value while supporting the UAE’s food security,” Al Mulla said.

He described the deal as an opportunity to support a resilient food system that provides safe, nutritious food for a growing population.

A shared commitment to innovation

Limagrain CEO Sébastien Chauffaut said both parties share a long-term vision focused on innovation and sustainable agriculture. He noted that ADQ’s planned investment would strengthen Limagrain’s position in the global seed market and help speed up the development of crops that can thrive in arid regions.

“We chose ADQ as our potential partner because we not only have a shared vision and values, but are united in a strong commitment to long-term sustainable investment,” Chauffaut said. He also pointed out that ADQ’s reach across the Middle East and North Africa would support Limagrain’s expansion plans.

The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and consultations with LVS employee representatives. It would mark ADQ’s entry into a crucial part of the food chain – seed production – which is essential for domestic food output.

ADQ’s Food & Agriculture portfolio already includes stakes in Louis Dreyfus Company, Unifrutti, Agthia Group, Al Dahra Holding, Lulu Group, and Silal. As of 31 December 2024, ADQ held US$251 billion in total assets.

By adding vegetable seeds to its investments, ADQ aims to close a key gap in the supply chain and push for more sustainable agriculture in the region.

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