US-based specialty crops giant Technology Crops International (TCI), today announced the acquisition of Premium Crops Ltd., a leading provider of premium and specialist crops, based in Hampshire. Premium Crops focuses on spring and winter linseed, red wheat, canary seed, millet, and naked oats.

TCI's portfolio includes premium-priced crops such as high erucic acid rapeseed, borage, echium and high omega-3 plant oils.

TCI said on Friday that, with both companies operating in the same niche and with similar objectives and ideals, but without overlapping in terms of crops on offer, the acquisition made perfect sense.

Andrew Hebard, president and CEO of TCI said, "We believe this merger adds value to growers, customers, and end users alike. We are thrilled to partner with a dynamic team that has such a great depth of expertise in speciality crops. Both sides benefit from deeper speciality crop knowledge and expertise, plus great synergies. It really is a perfect partnership."

"We were looking for a strategic partner," added Nigel Bazeley, founder and director at Premium Crops Ltd., "and TCI was the obvious candidate. Thanks to a much broader spectrum of premium-priced crops, we can now offer our growers a greater presence on the farm. Growers will be provided with more rotation options, the highest quality seed, outstanding agronomic support, prompt and secure payments, and preferential access to premium crop contracts."

The acquisition presents significant new opportunities for growers, according to TCI. "Speciality crops provide growers a way to differentiate their products and expertise, adding value whilst reducing their risks," Hebard continued. "Demand for these crops is growing across multiple industries and we believe these premium crops represent a small yet key component of the future of a diversified and specialised arable agricultural market globally."

Premium Crops' Nigel Bazeley said the company will continue to operate as it has, maintaining its name, people, and even its website. "Operationally to our suppliers and customers, we fully expect this change will be invisible."