Grass seed grower Barenbrug UK has acquired Scottish seed company Watson Seeds.
Established 33 years ago by third-generation seedsman Johnny Watson, the East Linton-based business also includes Seed Logistics and GroGreen.
Barenbrug UK's managing director Paul Johnson stated that the acquisition reflects the strong existing connection between the companies.
“Barenbrug has long been one of the main seed suppliers to these companies and we are very closely aligned in ethos and values being family-owned businesses with the emphasis on integrity, quality and service, and focusing on the customer’s needs.”
He added that the acquisition was a significant step for the firm’s UK operations, stating: “By giving us a much stronger offering in Scotland, we will complement our existing geographies and strengthen our position across the UK.
“Watson Seeds has an established on-farm trials and variety observation programme, which when combined with our own Scottish variety trials programme will considerably enrich our grass-breeding programme.”
Watson said: “It will very much be business as usual for Watson Seeds, our ambitious plan for continued growth and development will benefit from access to the resources and support of the global Barenbrug group.
“I’ve spent a long time on trial sites, assessing Barenbrug material to compare its performance against the rest and I’m increasingly encouraged by Barenbrug’s materials, and how its advances in grass breeding are so well suited to our farming environment.”
Following completion of the deal, Barenbrug UK, Watson Seeds, Seed Logistics and GroGreen will all maintain their separate business identities and operations.
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