Syngenta acquires U.S. lettuce seed companies

• Simultaneous acquisition of two U.S. lettuce seed companies lays strong foundation for growth
• Acquired lettuce gene pool strengthens worldwide development portfolio

Syngenta announced that the signing of agreements to acquire two U.S.-based lettuce seed companies: Synergene Seed & Technology, Inc. and Pybas Vegetable Seed Co., Inc. The acquisitions will establish a significant position for Syngenta in the North American lettuce market and will broaden its lettuce development portfolio in Europe and Asia.

"The acquired companies are highly complementary and combine a broad and deep range of proprietary germplasm with excellent breeding and production capabilities,” said Davor Pisk, Chief Operating Officer Syngenta Seeds. “Syngenta’s technology platform will allow us to optimize these strengths and to provide a compelling product offering to growers in North America and internationally.”

Synergene Seed & Technology, Inc. is a lettuce seed company based in Salinas, CA, with a diverse and proprietary lettuce gene pool. Pybas Vegetable Seed Co., Inc., based in Santa Maria, CA, is well-known for its quality seed production and processing as well as its germplasm. Both companies will be integrated into the Syngenta Vegetables business.

The lettuce seed market is valued at around $160 million globally.

No financial details of the transaction have been disclosed.