Ebbage Seeds sold to Agrovista UK, part of Marubeni

Agrovista UK Limited has acquired Cambridgeshire-based seed wholesaler and breeder’s agent, Ebbage Seeds Ltd. BCMS acted as lead advisor to the shareholders of Ebbage Seeds during the transaction, which completed in 2016.

Ebbage Seeds Ltd operates in the UK as a combinable seed specialist and breeder’s agent in the oilseed rape (OSR) and pulse seed markets. As the leading independent seed wholesaler and producer in the UK, Ebbage Seeds trades with the country’s primary cereal breeders and represents many major brands in wholesale seed development and marketing.

As a Breeders Agent in the OSR and Pulse Seed market, Ebbage works with several large international plant breeders, recognised seed growers and the UK’s principal processors and seed retailers.

Deal commentary

Paul Nickerson of Ebbage Seeds Ltd said: “This strategic move will benefit both businesses and their customers allowing for technical development and investment in the seeds sector and offering important opportunities for growth. The partnership will allow the continuation of the existing Ebbage business model for current clients, whilst opening new areas to evolve the business with Agrovista.”

Agrovista UK Limited, a subsidiary of Japanese-based corporation Marubeni, is one of the UK’s leading agronomy firms. The purchase will allow the two businesses to combine existing technical expertise and provide growers and clients with a full agronomic package from variety selection through to end-market focus.

Chris Clayton, MD of Agrovista UK Ltd said: “This exciting development will build on the strengths of both businesses and enable strategic growth for Agrovista within the seed sector. We are delighted to welcome Paul and the team from Ebbage into Agrovista and look forward to building on their outstanding success.”