John Deere says it will buy the French company Monosem, a designer and maker of precision planting equipment. The purchase includes four factories in France and two in the US.
John May, Deere's president of agricultural solutions and chief information officer, said "with this purchase we will consolidate our... leadership in precision agriculture. Monosem has shown innovation and success in precision planting technology that is admired worldwide, and the acquisition of a market leader will allow John Deere to serve more customers worldwide."
Monosem has been family owned by three generations since its foundation in 1948. Deere has no plans to change the independent nature of the business which will continue to operate under its own brands and trademark.
May says acquiring Monosem "will help accelerate John Deere's market reach in precision planting equipment and add engineering expertise in further developing precision planting solutions".