Melon breeding company ASL will become the property of BASF

BASF, Dutch company that offers vegetable seeds under the Nunhems Brand, has formally agreed to acquire the privately owned melon-breeding French company ASL based near Avignon. The transaction covers all assets, including seed production, intellectual property rights, germplasm, research and development centers as well as staff. The acquisition is planned to close on January 1, 2023.

ASL specializes in orange flesh type melons, such as Cantaloup and Charentais types. The owners' decision to divestment their company to their longtime partner, BASF, will ensure the continuation of the innovative melon breeding program.

Vicente Navarro, Senior Vice President of BASF’s vegetable seeds business, said melon is an important crop for the global vegetable seeds industry. “By acquiring ASL, we continue offering a highly innovative melon pipeline to our value chain partners and consumers. They are the ultimate motive of all our business activities and the reason why we want to make healthy eating enjoyable and sustainable by breeding new varieties that meet their expectations in taste and convenience,” he explained.

The BASF's network consists of 23 breeding stations for vegetable seeds around the world. The seed production and breeding facilities near Avignon will complement the existing network and become the first station for research and development in France, such as breeding and screening.

Under the Nunhems Brand, BASF offers more than vegetable seeds. The company offers partnerships and customer-focused solutions for the entire vegetable value chain including growers, plant raisers, processors, traders, retailers, dealers and foodservice industry, tailored to consumer needs and trends.

Click here for more information about BASF vegetable seeds business.

As one of the industry leaders with a broad portfolio of fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and seed treatments, BASF helps farmers sustainably increase the yields and their crops quality. The company's technologies aim to make crops grow healthier, stronger and more resistant to stressful factors such as heat or drought.

Further information about company’s Agricultural Solutions division on its website.