KWS all in on hybrid potato breeding; Stet Holland to buy conventional seed potato business.

KWS is selling its conventional seed potato business to Stet Holland B.V. An agreement to that effect was signed on April 11 , 2016. The transaction is expected to be completed by mid-2016.

The KWS Group’s seed potato business is steered by its subsidiary KWS POTATO B.V., which is based in Emmeloord, the Netherlands. Varieties and potato breeding material dedicated to French fries, crisps and table potatoes for traditional export markets are to be sold to Stet Holland BV, a Dutch company also based in Emmeloord.

Peter Hofmann, member of the Executive Board of KWS SAAT SE:
 

“The future owner Stet Holland offers good perspectives for a successful continuation of our conventional potato business while KWS will fully focus its efforts in potato utilizing its resources and know-how as a breeder to develop hybrid varieties.”

“Hybrid breeding in potato and multiplication via seed instead of tubers is an entirely new but highly promising approach that has considerable advantages compared to conventional breeding.”

“We have been working in this innovative field since 2011 and have meanwhile achieved significant progress”

Peter Ton, General Manager of Stet Holland commented on the acquisition:
 

“KWS’ seed potato business is an excellent fit for Stet as the markets for the current KWS and Stet varieties are very complementary to each other.”

“Taking over KWS’ variety portfolio, seed potato production, and sales channels will enable us to create synergies and gain presence in key markets and specific processing segments. KWS’ varieties, breeding material and expert employees, combined with a good customer base, will help us to strengthen Stet’s position in the seed potato market.”

The parties have agreed not to disclose the financial terms of this transaction.

KWS will continue its hybrid potato breeding activities under the roof of KWS POTATO B.V. The breeding station in Emmeloord, the Netherlands, is an important part of KWS’ global research network and offers excellent conditions for these activities.