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Potato Handbook
The Dutch breeder Solynta is receiving a new impulse in its international growth strategy. The German investment holding EW Group has acquired a majority stake in the Wageningen-based company, which is globally active in the development of hybrid true potato seeds. With this capital injection, Solynta aims to accelerate the commercialization of Hybrid True Potato Seeds and significantly expand its breeding program.
According to Solynta, little will change in day-to-day operations. The company will continue to operate independently, with the current management team remaining in place and Wageningen as its permanent headquarters. The governance structure will in principle also remain unchanged. However, EW Group who is already a shareholder, will gain additional seats on the Supervisory Board. Strategic expertise from other companies within the group may be shared, particularly in genetics and breeding, but operational decisions will remain with Solynta’s management team.
The main expectation is acceleration. With a financially strong shareholder behind it, Solynta will be able to expand its breeding program, develop more varieties and move faster toward market introduction. In practical terms, this means increased investment in research capacity, technology and the international scaling of hybrid true potato seed.
In addition to EW Group, several private investors and Amsterdam-based Innovation Industries will remain shareholders. A number of existing shareholders, including part of the founders, have sold their stakes. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Looking ten years ahead, Solynta foresees a fundamental shift in potato production. Worldwide, the use of true potato seed is expected to increase compared to traditional seed tubers, particularly in regions south of the Sahara. The company also anticipates a strong reduction in crop protection use and higher production per hectare. The entry of EW Group is viewed as a catalyst to accelerate this transition and make hybrid potato breeding available on a much larger global scale.
EW Group is a German family holding company with global activities in life sciences, genetics and biotechnology. The group primarily invests in companies operating at the beginning of agricultural and medical value chains, such as breeding, animal and plant genetics, health and diagnostics. With more than 300 subsidiaries, activities in over fifty countries and tens of thousands of employees, EW Group ranks among the larger private investors in innovative breeding technologies. The holding’s strategy focuses on long-term growth, research and technological advancement rather than short-term returns. Its participation in Solynta fits this strategy: investing in genetic innovation with global impa
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