Planasa, a global leader in plant genetics and part of the German innovation driven family holding EW Group, has announced an agreement to acquire Illinois Foundation Seeds Inc. (IFSI), a leader in vegetable genetics research and development, and dent corn genetic licensing. This transaction combines the capabilities of both companies to accelerate innovation in the global agricultural sector.

This agreement reinforces EW Group’s commitment to sustainable agriculture by adding IFSI — a company with over 88 years of experience and sales in over 70 countries — to its ecosystem of leading companies in plant, poultry and aqua genetics.

Under the continued leadership of its current management team, IFSI will maintain its full operational independence. This continuity reinforces IFSI’s commitment to advancing its research mission, serving customers, and strengthening strategic partnerships without interruption. Joining Planasa, as the operating business of plant breeding in EW Group, will provide new resources and global reach, further enhancing IFSI’s growth and innovation capacity.

«We are very proud to announce this agreement with IFSI. Their expertise and leadership in vegetable genetics complement our vision of becoming a global reference in plant genetics,» said Michael Brinkmann, CEO of Planasa.

«For IFSI, entering into this agreement with Planasa and EW Group means gaining a solid long-term partner who fully respects our culture and our team,» added Clinton Naugle, CEO of IFSI.

The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the coming months. With this addition, Planasa and EW Group reaffirm their commitment to scientific innovation, sustainability, and the future of global food production.

About IFSI:

Headquartered in Tolono, Illinois, IFSI is a leading independent provider of seed genetics and a pioneer in research, product development, licensing, and production since 1937. For over 88 years, IFSI has advanced varietal performance for field crops and vegetable varieties, serving dealers who value customer trust and seek to deliver exceptional products. With a global footprint and an unwavering commitment to innovation, integrity, and quality, IFSI remains dedicated to delivering industry-leading products, cutting-edge research, and outstanding customer service.

About Planasa:

Planasa is a global leader in the agri-food sector, specializing in developing the next generation of berry varieties: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries. In addition to berries, Planasa has extensive experience and a long tradition in other crops, such as garlic, asparagus, and avocado.

The company employs more than 4,000 people worldwide, operates in 25 countries across Africa, America, Asia, and Europe, has registered over 225 varieties, and operates six R&D centers located in Spain, France, Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, and the USA. Planasa produces over 1 billion plants per year, with nurseries spanning more than 1,500 hectares across Spain, USA, China, Peru, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, and France.

About EW Group:

EW Group is a global family-owned group with more than 300 subsidiaries operating in the life sciences sector. The group focuses on research- and innovation-driven businesses at the early stages of the value chain in genetics, animal health, diagnostics and nutrition. EW Group operates in over 50 countries and employs more than 28,000 people.