French Vilmorin opens new branch in Turkey

After 20 years of cooperation, Vilmorin - the fourth largest company in the world for vegetable and field seeds, announced on 11 of July its decision to buy off the Turkish company Anadolu. With a wide product range (tomatoes, cauliflowers, cucumber and aubergines), Anadolu has a turnover of over 6 million euros.
Vilmorin had already purchased, from its creation, 30% share of the Turkish company, then increased to 47%. With the new announced operation, Vilmorin will own 100% of Anadolu's capital.
Arnaud Deltour, general manager of Vilmorin, explains Anadolu's successful development: "Turkish workers work in France, bring back the acquired know-how with seeds, adding new value. That's how Anadolu has introduced seeds of hybrid carrots in Turkey".
Anadolu has been managed up until now by its founder, Yavuz Batur, who's going to be confirmed the new branch's director at least until the end of 2008. At that date, Frédéric Savin - traditionally marketing manager at Vilmorin besides being sales manager at Harris Moran in Europe, is going to succeed him.
The name of the sixth Vilmorin's foreign branch will be Anadolu Tohümculuk, from the brand names already present in Turkey (tohüm means seeds, culuk is activity).
The new acquisition will allow Vilmorin to pass over the threshold of 80 millions turnover with over 470 employees.