Jun 14, 2012
Bayer Cropscience acquires Abbott & Cobb watermelon and melon seeds

Bayer CropScience announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase the watermelon and melon seed business of Abbott & Cobb Inc., a privately-held seed company headquartered in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, USA. The acquisition will strengthen the vegetable seed business of Bayer CropScience, which operates under the Nunhems brand and is a key segment for the company. Around 30 employees of Abbott & Cobb are expected to join the vegetable seed business of Bayer CropScience. Closing is expected within a few weeks. Financial details were not disclosed.

Abbott & Cobb has a robust watermelon position in the US with increasing business in Mexico, Australia and Asia. This makes the acquisition a significant step forward for the presence of Bayer CropScience in this market. In addition, the melon business and the germplasm will broaden Bayer CropScienc's existing seed portfolio further and will be the basis for future new hybrids. Abbott & Cobb will continue with its remaining business with crops such as sweet corn, pepper and squash.

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