Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) has advised Genus plc (“Genus”), the world-leading animal genetics company, and Pig Improvement Company Deutschland GmbH (“PIC Deutschland GmbH”) on their sale of ABS Deutschland to World Wide Sires, Ltd. (“WWS”), and have entered into a strategic agreement for the distribution of ABS genetics in Germany, Austria and Luxembourg as World Wide Sires Deutschland from 1 July 2021.
Going forward, World Wide Sires Deutschland will unite both teams and offerings as a distribution partner of US-headquartered ABS Global (“ABS”), itself a subsidiary of UK-based Genus. Founded in 1941 and active in more than 70 countries worldwide, ABS is the world’s leading provider of bovine genetics, reproductive services, artificial insemination technologies and udder care products. ABS Deutschland, an operating branch of PIC Deutschland GmbH and the German division of ABS, is a leading distributor of bovine and porcine genetic material in the German-speaking world. Founded in California in 1971, WWS provides genetics and management solutions to meet the needs of global dairy producers and ensure the long-term profitability of their operations.
The WFW Germany Corporate team that advised Genus and PIC comprised Partner Sebastian Baum and Associate Muteber Yalcin. Partner Dr Andreas Wiegreffe and Senior Associate Verena Weider advised on employment and tax law matters respectively.
Sebastian commented: “We’re delighted to have advised Genus and PIC Deutschland GmbH on their sale of ABS Deutschland to WWS to form a major new player in the field of bovine genetics in Germany and beyond. That we were instructed on this highly strategic transaction, highlights WFW Germany’s increasing reputation for corporate/M&A expertise regardless of sector.”
