RAGT Semences is acquiring Deleplanque to expand its seed and sugar beet business in Europe.

This is reported by journalist Klaus Strotmann from the German agri-portal Agrarheute: "The French company is known in Germany primarily for its varieties of grain crops, such as the high-yielding winter wheat RGT Reform. They are also involved in the breeding of barley, corn, rapeseed, sunflower, and sorghum. RAGT started as a cooperative in southern France almost 100 years ago and now sells its seeds in 50 countries."

Until recently, Deleplanque was known not so much as a breeder, but as a provider of services in the seed business. The company organizes the multiplication and processing of seeds for various breeders in France. They are also involved in seed production for Strube sugar beets, as they fully took over the management of the German breeder in May 2024. In 2016, the French acquired 60 percent of Strube's shares when the company faced financial difficulties.

Deleplanque generated revenue of 167 million euros. RAGT will take over the management of three French Deleplanque factories producing sugar beets, rapeseed, and corn seeds, as well as two factories in Germany, along with the company's 450 employees.

The buyer, RAGT Semences, has revenues of around 320 million euros and employs over 1500 workers. Additionally, they operate three large processing plants in France. Both businesses will operate separately until June 30, 2025, pending approval from antitrust authorities. The deal price remains undisclosed.

Initially, there will be no changes in the structure of Strube in Germany. Jobs and employees will be retained. "This is necessary because we are acquiring an entirely new business direction," explained RAGT Managing Director Andreas Albersmeyer. "The number of employees in Germany is expected to increase in the future."

The acquisition is a strategic decision for RAGT. "In the consolidated sugar beet market with two major players, such opportunities are rare. We see this as an excellent addition to our range. Technical services for competitors at the plants in France will also be provided," said Andreas Albersmeyer, managing director of RAGT.

It is currently unclear whether the "Strube" brand will remain. "We will analyze how the brand strategy will look in the future. But it is still too early. For us, a long-term strategy is more important than a quick decision," noted Andreas Albersmeyer.