The acquisition provides expanded resources, global reach, and enhanced development capabilities for UK-grown biological innovation.

Unium Biosciences Ltd, the UK-based biological crop technology company, has announced its acquisition by HELM AG, a leading global agricultural solutions provider, effective as of now. The move marks a significant step in expanding the reach and impact of Unium's research-driven biological and signalling compound technologies.

The partnership strengthens Unium's delivery of advanced, high-quality, data-focused, and affordable biological solutions. Combining Unium's scientific expertise with HELM's global infrastructure and market access, the collaboration will accelerate innovation and broaden availability for growers in the UK, Europe, and internationally.

Unium brings to the partnership a strong research foundation, underpinned by more than 500 replicated field trials across multiple crops and growing conditions. This extensive trial programme has built a robust knowledge base, supporting consistent product performance and practical on-farm application.

The acquisition also provides Unium with access to enhanced registration, laboratory, and production capabilities, enabling the development of improved formulations and supporting regulatory approvals across key agricultural markets, including the UK, EU, North and South America, and Africa.

The announcement comes against a backdrop of increasing pressure on crop production, driven by rising disease and pest challenges, regulatory scrutiny of traditional chemistries, and end market demands for lower or zero chemical exposure. At the same time, global food demand continues to rise, with the world population forecast to reach over 9 billion by 2050, while arable land per person continues to decline, according to UN data.

John Haywood, Unium Biosciences managing director, says: "We're committed to integrating biological products with conventional crop production, combining targeted chemistry with a whole- system biological strategy to improve crop resilience, efficiency and sustainability, without sacrificing profitability.

"Becoming part of HELM gives Unium the platform to scale our technologies globally while remaining focused on science-led innovation. It doesn't change Unium's day to day operations - this partnership enables us to support growers with practical solutions that respond to regulatory change, market expectations, and the need to produce more from less land."

Jacob Shreve, HELM Executive Vice President Crop Solutions says: "The integration of Unium into HELM marks an important step forward for our Crop Solutions strategy worldwide. Unium's proven scientific innovation particularly in biologicals and signalling‑compound technologies perfectly complements HELM's international reach, expanding our global portfolio and accelerating the development of advanced, sustainable crop solutions.

"Together, we will strengthen continuity for existing Unium customers while expanding access to high‑performing, research‑driven technologies across the UK, Europe and global agricultural markets. This acquisition reinforces our long‑term commitment to supporting growers with reliable, high‑value solutions that deliver real impact in the field."

Unium will continue to operate in the UK with the same team, building on its strengths in research, trials, and grower support to deliver high-quality, data-driven and affordable solutions for modern farming.