Tessenderlo to Buy 20% Stake in FMC for $400 Million
The Belgian industrial group’s minority investment enables FMC to hit its $1 billion debt-reduction target while preserving independence.
**FMC (FMC) agreed to sell a 20% stake to Tessenderlo Group in a $400 million mixed-consideration transaction**, the companies announced on July 1.
Under the definitive agreement, Tessenderlo will pay $13.30 a share for 30.3 million FMC common shares, representing approximately one-fifth of the outstanding stock. The deal is expected to close subject to customary regulatory approvals and other conditions.
FMC said the proceeds will allow it to achieve its approximately $1 billion debt paydown target, sharpen its strategic focus, and maintain its independence. The company also cited the investment as a key step in advancing its R&D pipeline and accelerating the commercialization of new proprietary molecules.
"Our investment in FMC perfectly aligns with Tessenderlo Group’s strategy to expand our agro platform through strategic cornerstone investments whereby we take a minority position in high-quality companies," said Luc Tack, chief executive officer of Tessenderlo Group. "FMC offers an attractive opportunity to invest in a business with meaningful long-term potential driven by a new generation of proprietary molecules that are renewing its portfolio and strengthening its competitive position".
FMC, a global agricultural sciences company, has been executing a multi-pronged financial and operational plan to improve liquidity and competitiveness. Over the past several months, the company amended its revolving credit facility, raised $1.2 billion in a secured high-yield bond offering, sold its India commercial business for $252 million, and entered into a $200 million prepayment supply and license agreement with Corteva. The Tessenderlo investment follows the conclusion of FMC’s strategic options review, which the board launched in February 2026.
Upon closing, Tessenderlo will gain certain governance rights, including the right to nominate one independent director to FMC’s board and appoint a board observer so long as it holds at least 10% of FMC’s outstanding shares. The investor agreement also includes customary standstill provisions, a 36-month lock-up period, and preemptive rights on future equity issuances.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory clearances and other closing conditions.