Fortissimo exits OriGene Seeds after fivefold revenue growth
What's the deal? Israeli private-equity firm FortissimoDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has sold all its holdings in OriGene Seeds, an international developer of hybrid vegetable seed varieties. The buyer and price were not disclosed. Fortissimo first invested in OriGene in 2015.
What each side brings: Founded in 2005, OriGene breeds, produces, and markets hybrid vegetable seeds, with a focus on cucurbit crops such as cucumbers, melons, watermelons, and pumpkins. Fortissimo backed founder and chief executive officer Eyal Vardi to expand the product range and enter new markets.
The numbers: Since the 2015 investment, OriGene has grown revenue fivefold and now sells in more than 25 countries. Its EBITDA margin recently reached 25%, and it extended its portfolio into Solanaceae crops, including tomatoes and peppers.
What changes? Fortissimo said it received interest from several strategic buyers before selecting a partner it described as bringing "the capabilities and industry expertise to support its next phase of growth." The firm called the transaction "a successful outcome" for both itself and Vardi.
Why now? The exit lands amid a wave of consolidation in vegetable seeds. Recent deals include SyngentaDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →'s purchases of Brazil's Feltrin SementesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and Dutch producer VerisemDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, BASF Nunhems' acquisition of India's Noble SeedsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and PlanasaDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →'s buyout of US sweet-corn breeder Illinois Foundation Seeds.
The signal: Breeding genetics and local market reach have become prized assets for larger seed businesses, driving a steady flow of acquisitions. OriGene's sale marks a private-equity realisation against that active backdrop — though undisclosed terms leave its valuation unclear.
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