Bayer CropScience will purchase the watermelon and melon seed business of Abbott & Cobb Inc., a privately-held seed company headquartered in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, USA. The acquisition will strengthen the vegetable business of Bayer CropScience, which operates under the Nunhems brand and is a key segment for the company. Around 30 employees of Abbott & Cobb are expected to join the vegetable seed business of Bayer.

Abbott & Cobb has a robust watermelon position in the US with increasing business in Mexico, Australia and Asia. This makes the acquisition a significant step forward for the presence of Bayer CropScience in this market. In addition, the melon business and the germplasm will broaden Bayer CropScience´s existing seed portfolio further and will be the basis for future new hybrids. Abbott & Cobb will continue with its remaining business with crops such as sweet corn, pepper and squash.

• Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany