UPL's Advanta to acquire Egypt's Misr Hytech, eyes bigger Africa play

UPL's Advanta is set to acquire Egypt-based seed company Misr Hytech, strengthening its presence in Africa and giving it access to a business that reaches around 450,000 farmers in the country.

The acquisition, from private equity investors Helios Investment Partners and the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund (EAEF), is expected to close on or before January 31, 2027, subject to customary closing conditions. The transaction has already received antitrust approvals from the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission and the Egyptian Competition Authority.

Advanta had entered into an agreement for the acquisition of Hytech Egypt USA LLC, the holding company of Misr Hytech Seed International, on August 15, 2026. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1993, Misr Hytech is a breeder and producer of proprietary agricultural seeds, with a strong presence in Egypt's white corn and sorghum seed markets. It is also a major supplier of yellow corn seeds and has a growing presence in vegetable seeds.

Acquisition to strengthen Advanta's African footprint

The acquisition gives Advanta an established local business, breeding capabilities and a production network in Egypt, which the company sees as a strategic market for expanding its presence across the Middle East and Africa.

Misr Hytech's reach extends to approximately 450,000 farmers across Egypt, supported by a network of more than 400 contract production growers. Its portfolio spans hybrid seeds across white corn, yellow corn, sorghum and vegetables. The company also has proprietary germplasm and breeding programmes focused on developing seed varieties suited to local growing conditions, with an emphasis on yield performance and resilience.

For Advanta, the deal will bring together Misr Hytech's local market relationships and breeding capabilities with its global research and development infrastructure, seed technologies and distribution network.

"Seeds are central to UPL's growth agenda, and Egypt is one of the most strategically important agricultural markets in the Middle East and Africa," said Jai Shroff, chairman and group CEO of UPL.

Misr Hytech will retain its local capabilities and relationships following the acquisition, while gaining access to Advanta's wider germplasm, research expertise and regional market opportunities. The combined business plans to focus on accelerating product innovation, expanding its seed portfolio and strengthening production and supply resilience.

Advanta's global seeds platform currently has a portfolio of more than 900 hybrid seed varieties across 40 crops, with its products distributed in over 70 countries. Its portfolio includes corn, sorghum, sunflower, canola, rice and vegetable seeds.

Bhupen Dubey, global CEO of Advanta, said the acquisition would mark a major milestone in the company's growth journey across Africa. "By combining its local leadership and innovation with Advanta's global breeding expertise and commercial reach, we will be well-positioned to deliver greater value to farmers while accelerating growth across the region," he said.

For the sellers, the transaction marks the end of a seven-year investment partnership with Misr Hytech. Nitin Kaul, chairman of Misr Hytech and partner at Helios Investment Partners, said the investors had worked with the management team to strengthen the business, build a more resilient production model and position it for long-term growth.

UPL, which operates across the agrifood value chain, reported annual revenue of approximately $6 billion, according to the company.