Genus Bundle
Who Owns Genus plc?
Understanding Genus plc's ownership is key to grasping its influence in global food supply. Recent shifts, like Wellington Management Company LLP's stake adjustment to 4.93% in early 2025, highlight evolving shareholder dynamics.
Delving into the ownership of Genus plc, a leader in animal genetics, reveals the intricate web of stakeholders that guide its strategic path. This analysis will explore the evolution of its shareholder base and the impact of key investors.
Who owns Genus plc?
Genus plc, a global leader in animal genetics, traces its roots to the Milk Marketing Board, established in 1933. Incorporated in 1994, the company specializes in improving livestock genetics through biotechnology, focusing on dairy, beef, and pork production. Its operations are divided into PIC (pigs) and ABS (bovine) segments. As of July 31, 2025, Genus plc had an issued share capital of 66,037,454 ordinary shares, with a market capitalization around £1.63 billion. The company's commitment to enhancing livestock farming efficiency and sustainability is reflected in its product development, such as the Genus BCG Matrix.
Who Founded Genus?
The ownership of Genus plc traces back to the 1994 dissolution of the Milk Marketing Board's Breeding & Production Division. While specific founder equity details are not public, the company's early structure was significantly influenced by strategic acquisitions of established genetics businesses, shaping its path to becoming a leader in animal genetics.
Genus plc's foundation is linked to the 1994 dissolution of the Milk Marketing Board's Breeding & Production Division, which itself was established in 1933.
The company's early development was bolstered by strategic acquisitions, notably ABS Global in 1999 and PIC in 2005.
In 1999, Genus acquired ABS Global, originally founded in 1941 as American Breeders Service, a specialist in cattle genetics.
The acquisition of PIC in 2005, through the takeover of Sygen International plc, added significant pig genetics expertise.
These acquisitions were instrumental in forming Genus plc's core business segments: PIC and ABS, solidifying its global presence.
PIC was originally established in 1962 by six pork producers in the United Kingdom, contributing to the company's pig genetics capabilities.
The early ownership structure of Genus plc, while not detailed with specific individual stakes, was shaped by the strategic integration of key players in animal genetics. The acquisition of ABS Global, founded by J.R. Prentice in 1941, brought a strong legacy in cattle semen. Later, the 2005 acquisition of PIC, a company initiated by UK pork producers in 1962, further diversified and strengthened Genus's market position. These moves were crucial in establishing the company's dual focus on cattle and pig genetics, laying the foundation for its current global leadership. Understanding the Marketing Strategy of Genus provides further context on how these foundational elements were leveraged.
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How Has Genus’s Ownership Changed Over Time?
Genus plc, a company listed on the London Stock Exchange, has experienced shifts in its ownership since its initial public offering. The company's journey, including its Brief History of Genus, highlights the dynamic nature of public company ownership.
| Shareholder | Percentage of Shares | Number of Shares |
|---|---|---|
| Baillie Gifford | 7.64% | 5,044,949 |
| BlackRock | 6.84% | 4,516,143 |
| JNE Partners | 6.66% | 4,398,000 |
| Aberdeen (abrdn Investments Ltd) | 5.80% | 3,833,034 |
| Vanguard Group | 5.33% | 3,520,793 |
| Devon Equity Management | 4.59% | 3,030,776 |
| Wellington Management Company LLP | 4.93% | N/A |
| Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 4.963% | N/A |
The ownership structure of Genus plc is predominantly held by institutional investors, reflecting a common trend for publicly traded companies. These major shareholders, including entities like Baillie Gifford and BlackRock, exert significant influence on the company's strategic direction and governance through their substantial voting power. Recent adjustments in holdings by firms such as Wellington Management Company LLP and Ameriprise Financial, Inc. indicate an active and evolving shareholder landscape.
Understanding who owns Genus plc is crucial for assessing its market position and future trajectory. The company's financial performance, such as its reported sales of GBP 668.8 million for the year ended June 30, 2024, is a key factor for these investors.
- Institutional investors form the largest segment of Genus plc shareholders.
- Major shareholders like Baillie Gifford and BlackRock hold significant stakes.
- Recent changes in holdings by Wellington Management and Ameriprise Financial are notable.
- The ownership structure directly impacts company strategy and governance.
- Expected adjusted profit before tax for FY2025 is at least £72 million, a 20% increase from FY2024.
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Who Sits on Genus’s Board?
The Board of Directors at Genus plc is instrumental in guiding the company's strategic direction and overseeing its operations. As of July 2025, key figures include Iain Ferguson as Non-Executive Chairman and Jorgen Kokke as Chief Executive. The board also comprises Non-Executive Directors Lysanne Gray, Lesley Knox (Senior Independent Director), and Dr. Ralph Heuser, alongside Chief Financial Officer Alison Henriksen and Group General Counsel & Company Secretary Lucie Grant.
| Director Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Iain Ferguson | Non-Executive Chairman |
| Jorgen Kokke | Chief Executive |
| Alison Henriksen | Chief Financial Officer |
| Lysanne Gray | Non-Executive Director |
| Lesley Knox | Non-Executive Director (Senior Independent Director) |
| Dr. Ralph Heuser | Non-Executive Director |
| Lucie Grant | Group General Counsel & Company Secretary |
Genus plc operates under a one-share-one-vote principle, with its issued share capital comprising 66,037,454 ordinary shares as of July 31, 2025. There are no shares held in treasury, and the structure does not indicate dual-class shares or special voting rights. This structure means that significant institutional investors, such as Baillie Gifford holding 7.64% and BlackRock with 6.84%, wield considerable influence over company decisions, highlighting the impact of institutional ownership on Genus plc. Recent adjustments to the board include the appointment of Andy Russell as Chief Financial Officer, effective August 1, 2025, and the departure of Non-Executive Director Jason Chin at the end of May 2025.
The ownership structure of Genus plc is largely influenced by its institutional investors. Understanding who owns Genus is key to grasping its governance dynamics.
- The company follows a one-share-one-vote system.
- Major institutional investors hold significant voting power.
- Recent board changes reflect ongoing governance evolution.
- The concentration of shares among large investors impacts decision-making.
- Exploring the Competitors Landscape of Genus can provide further context on its market position.
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What Recent Changes Have Shaped Genus’s Ownership Landscape?
Over the past few years, the ownership landscape of Genus plc has seen notable shifts, with significant changes in major shareholdings reflecting evolving investor strategies. These adjustments are occurring alongside the company's efforts to navigate challenging market conditions and implement strategic growth initiatives.
| Shareholder | Voting Rights (%) | Date of Change |
|---|---|---|
| Wellington Management Company LLP | 4.93 | Early 2025 |
| Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 4.963 | May 2024 |
| JNE Partners LLP | 5.025031 | December 2024 |
| Baillie Gifford | 7.64 | June 30, 2025 |
| BlackRock | 6.84 | June 30, 2025 |
| Vanguard Group | 5.33 | June 30, 2025 |
Recent financial performance indicates a challenging period, with a 5% revenue drop to £334 million and a 31% decrease in adjusted profit before tax to £29.2 million in the first half of FY 2024, primarily due to market conditions in China. Despite this, the company anticipates a significant rebound, projecting FY25 adjusted profit before tax to be at least £72 million, marking a 20% increase from FY2024's £59.8 million. This forward-looking projection is supported by strategic initiatives and regulatory milestones, such as FDA approval for its PRRS Resistant Pig program in April 2025. The company is also focusing on operational efficiency through its value acceleration program in the bovine business, targeting £10 million in annual cost savings. These developments, alongside shifts in major shareholdings, highlight a dynamic period for Genus plc as it focuses on innovation and efficiency. Understanding the Growth Strategy of Genus provides further context to these ownership trends.
Significant changes in major shareholdings have occurred, with Wellington Management Company LLP and Ameriprise Financial, Inc. reducing their stakes. Conversely, JNE Partners LLP acquired a substantial interest in late 2024.
As of mid-2025, large institutional investors continue to hold significant portions of Genus plc. Baillie Gifford, BlackRock, and Vanguard Group remain among the largest shareholders, indicating substantial institutional ownership.
Despite recent revenue challenges, Genus plc projects a strong financial recovery in FY25. The company is actively pursuing operational efficiencies and product innovation, exemplified by its value acceleration program and FDA approval for its PRRS Resistant Pig program.
The company has seen leadership changes, with a new CFO appointed effective August 2025. A key regulatory achievement includes FDA approval for its PRRS Resistant Pig program in April 2025, marking a significant step in product development.
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