The French firm LIMAGRAIN will be merging its maize seeds activities in North America with those of Germany's KWS. The two partners will create three joint subsidiaries, one 50-50 venture consolidating their research activities and two others, in Canada and the United States, for the marketing and production of maize, soya and alfalfa seeds, in which KWS will be one third owner, with an option to increase its stake to 50%. The partners are expecting joint turnover of USD 80 million.