RAGT has completed its acquisition of Syngenta’s 2-row spring and winter malting barley seeds business, adding breeding assets and varieties as competition intensifies in the European malting barley market.

The transaction, announced in November, closed on December 30, 2025 following regulatory approvals and employee consultations. Financial terms were not disclosed.

RAGT, a French seed company with breeding operations across Europe and other major crop regions, has acquired Syngenta’s Market Stainton breeding site in Lincolnshire, the UK, which focuses on malting barley development. Eleven Syngenta employees specializing in malting barley have transferred to RAGT, along with selected intellectual property, registrations and related intangible assets.

The acquisition expands RAGT’s malting barley portfolio across several countries and strengthens its presence in a segment closely tied to demand from brewers, maltsters and distillers, at a time when seed companies are investing more selectively in crops with stable end-market demand and clearer value chains.

“This acquisition gives RAGT a strong international barley platform with established genetics and experienced teams,” said Laurent Guerreiro, president of the RAGT Group.

Syngenta, one of the world’s largest agricultural input companies, said the sale does not affect its broader commitment to seeds. “We are pleased to see this agreement reach completion and to provide continuity for the teams and partners involved,” said Robert Hiles, head of seeds field crops marketing and portfolio management at Syngenta Europe. He added that Syngenta will continue to invest in its seeds business across Europe and globally.

Both companies said they will cooperate during the transition to ensure continuity for growers supplying the malting barley market.