GM giant Monsanto announced it has now completed its $1 billion cash purchase of seed breeder Seminis.

The seed specialist, which is now a wholly owned subsidiary of US giants Monsanto, will retain its global headquarters in California.

Seminis is a global leader in the vegetable and fruit seed industry, supplying more than 3,500 seed varieties to commercial fruit and vegetable growers, dealers, distributors and wholesalers in more than 150 countries around the world.

Monsanto is a leading global provider of seeds, technology and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.

It said it has bought Seminis to broaden its portfolio of seeds and tap into the trends for healthier diets.

Hugh Grant, chairman, president and chief executive of Monsanto, said: “The addition of Seminis will be an excellent fit for our company as global production of vegetables and fruits, and the trend toward healthier diets, has been growing steadily over the past several years.”

Seminis will continue to be headed by its existing president and chief operating officer, and will continue its focus on developing products using advanced breeding techniques, with biotech applications an option well down the road.

Seminis Vegetable Seeds in the UK is anticipated to continue business as normal.