DLA Piper advises Syngenta on Flowers Joint Venture with Dümmen Orange

DLA Piper has advised Syngenta Group on the signing of an agreement to divest its Flowers business into a strategic joint venture with Dümmen Orange. As part of the transaction, Syngenta will retain a significant economic interest in the joint venture. Completion remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.

The transaction brings together two global leaders in ornamental breeding and propagation, combining their respective businesses to create a stronger and more competitive global player in the horticulture sector. The joint venture will integrate Syngenta Flowers with Dümmen Orange’s operations, combining Dümmen Orange’s expertise in cut flowers and Syngenta’s leadership in seed varieties, along with annual, perennial and potted plant portfolios that both companies have built over decades.

Syngenta Group is one of the world’s leading agricultural innovation companies, employing more than 50,000 people across over 90 countries. The group focuses on developing technologies and farming practices that help farmers drive the transformation needed to feed a growing global population while preserving natural resources.

The matter was a strong demonstration of DLA Piper’s unique ability to deliver seamless, coordinated advice across a truly global platform. With more than 30 jurisdictions involved, it required close collaboration across multiple offices and practice groups, underscoring the firm’s capacity to manage complex, multi-jurisdictional mandates efficiently and consistently for clients operating on a global scale.

Shiri Ailon, Head of Syngenta Group M&A and Ventures, and Martin Wolfhard, Head of Legal Europe at Syngenta, commented: “The DLA Piper team played a pivotal role in shaping this joint venture, navigating complex and challenging issues with creativity, rigor and thoughtful problem solving. We are grateful to the DLA Piper team for its efficient and fruitful cooperation and for providing excellent support to Syngenta Group with dedicated team members across all involved jurisdictions.”

The global DLA Piper team was led by a Germany-based, cross-office team under the leadership of Counsel Dr Isaschar Nicolaysen, Senior Associate Jan Schlaak and Partner Dr Benjamin Parameswaran. The core team also included Associate Lea Reifers (all Corporate).

Additionally, the team included Partner Semin O and Counsel Dr Enno Ahlenstiel, supported by Associate Çağla Demir-Köse (all Lit&Reg) as well as Partner Dr Burkhard Führmeyer and Counsel Eike Bodo Matthes, together with Associate Linda Rothfuß (all IPT).

The wider transaction team comprised more than 100 lawyers from DLA Piper offices around the world. The Amsterdam office played a key role, with support from Aad Oomen, Nynke Corporaal-Vegter and Alexander Bodar.