Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, ADQ, is currently in discussions to acquire a minority stake in Limagrain, a French agricultural cooperative and the world’s fourth-largest seed producer, as it aims to expand its investments in the food and agriculture sector.
The talks are focused on Vilmorin & Cie, a publicly listed subsidiary of Limagrain that specialises in seeds and holds a market capitalisation of approximately €1.4 billion (around $1.5 billion), according to Bloomberg.
Limagrain operates in 50 countries and is committed to developing high-quality seeds for both farmers and amateur gardeners. The company employs about 10,000 people, including 2,000 researchers, and maintains research and development collaborations with institutions globally.
If the deal goes ahead, it would provide ADQ with access to advanced seed technologies and expertise, aligning with the UAE’s broader ambitions to enhance domestic food production and strengthen national food security.
ADQ has ramped up its investments in the agri-food sector in recent years, acquiring stakes in companies such as the Louis Dreyfus Company and the Unifrutti Group. It also supported the establishment of Silal, a firm focused on promoting sustainable food systems within the UAE.
