On March 31st, 2008, Monsanto Company announced that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire De Ruiter Seeds Group B.V., a Dutch-holding company that owns and operates De Ruiter Seeds. De Ruiter Seeds is one of the world’s leading vegetable seed breeding companies. The Netherlands-based company works with crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, peppers and rootstock (used for tomato culture purposes); and focuses on breeding novel varieties for the protected-culture segment, commonly known as greenhouse or plastic house agriculture. More information related to this announcement is included on this page.

Monsanto - De Ruiter Acquisition Joint News Release
Monsanto - De Ruiter Backgrounder
Audio Q&A with Kerry Preete, President of Monsanto Vegetable Seeds Business
Audio Q&A with Biense Visser, Chief Executive Officer of De Ruiter Seeds