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ABZ Seeds has been acquired by Planasa

ABZ Seeds, a renowned breeder of seed-propagated F1 hybrid strawberry varieties, has been acquired by Planasa, a global leader in breeding next-generation berry varieties, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries.

This strategic acquisition represents a transformative step in Planasa’s expansion into the high-growth F1 hybrid strawberry segment and highlights the accelerating industry-wide shift from traditional vegetative varieties to seed-propagated varieties. In addition to strengthening its position in the F1 hybrid seed market, this transaction enables Planasa to expand into the ornamental strawberry plant segment — a dynamic and fast-growing niche market.

Emerging as a carveout of what is today known as Syngenta in 1993 and headquartered in the Netherlands, ABZ Seeds has established itself as a pioneer in developing and breeding seed-propagated F1-hybrid strawberry varieties for both the strawberry production and floriculture market segments. ABZ was the first company in the strawberry industry to develop the strawberry-from-seed concept.

Planasa, headquartered in Spain, specializes in research and development (R&D) for breeding next-generation berry varieties, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries, designed to better meet the needs of plant growers, retailers and consumers worldwide. The company operates six R&D centers in Europe, Mexico and the US, and is present in more than 25 countries, supplying customers through its 13 nursery facilities in Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia. Planasa is part of the family-owned EW Group.

Oaklins’ team in the Netherlands served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to the shareholders of ABZ Seeds in this transaction. This deal underscores Oaklins’ extensive expertise in supporting breeding transactions within the horticulture and agriculture sectors. With in-depth sector knowledge and a proven track record, Oaklins continues to be the most experienced M&A advisor in this field.

Parties
“From the moment I founded ABZ in 1993, I recognized that the future of strawberries lay in seed-propagated varieties. Embracing this vision, ABZ Seeds became a pioneer and the undisputed market leader in breeding F1 hybrid ever-bearing strawberries. After more than 30 years as founder and CEO, I knew it was the right time to secure a strategic partner to ensure continuity for ABZ Seeds. With Oaklins’ dedicated support and deep sector expertise, we found a strong and international partner to drive future growth. I am proud that under their ownership ABZ Seeds will continue its legacy of innovation and excellence at Andijk, the Netherlands, guaranteeing the same high-quality products and service that clients have come to trust.”

Gé Bentvelsen

Founder and CEO, ABZ Seeds

Talk to the deal team

Frank de Hek

Managing Partner
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Oaklins Netherlands

Koen Bodewes

Senior Associate
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Oaklins Netherlands

Oscar van Rijn

Associate
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Oaklins Netherlands

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