The completion of RAGT’s acquisition of Syngenta’s two-row spring/winter malted barley seed business will give UK barley producers supplying the malting market greater choice of varieties and the potential for renewed breeding investment.
The transaction was first announced on November 20, 2025 and was officially completed on December 30, 2025, following completion of all regulatory approvals and employee consultation processes. Financial terms were not disclosed.
As part of the deal, RAGT acquired Syngenta’s Market Stainton facility in Lincolnshire, which is regarded as a center of excellence for malting barley breeding.
Eleven Syngenta employees specializing in barley malting have transferred to RAGT following the purchase of certain intellectual property, registrations and related intangible assets. RAGT said existing breeding programs and customer relationships will continue during the transition period.
The acquisition strengthens RAGT’s multi-country barley malt portfolio and underlines the company’s focus on supplying high-quality genetics to producers serving the malting, brewing and distilling sectors.
“With this acquisition, RAGT gains a strong international barley platform with excellent genetics and a team,” said Laurent Guerreiro, President of RAGT Group. “We look forward to delivering value to farmers and the malting and brewing industries around the world.”
RAGT said the integration of Syngenta’s barley expertise will support its long-term breeding and variety development plans. RAGT Semences managing director Damian Robert said the move was a strategic and people-focused move.
“We are excited to integrate Syngenta’s barley expertise, varieties and team of experts into RAGT,” he said. “This is not only a strategic milestone that strengthens our portfolio and accelerates our RAGT 2030 strategy, but also a human adventure that brings together talented people to support farmers across Europe and beyond.”
Syngenta confirmed that it remains committed to investing in its seed business in Europe and around the world. Robert Hiles, Head of Seedfield Crops Marketing and Portfolio Management at Syngenta Europe, said the completion of the transaction provides continuity for all involved.
“We are pleased to complete this agreement and provide continuity for the teams and partners involved,” he said, adding that Syngenta “remains committed to growing our seeds business and continuing to invest in key strategic markets and crops in Europe.”
Both companies will continue to work together during the transition period. RAGT said it remains focused on building on the foundation it has established at Market Stainton and providing high quality varieties, service and technical support to producers supplying the malting barley market.
