Confluence Genetics Purchases Benson Hill Assets Out of Chapter 11
'This is more than a financial reset—it's a strategic reboot and a bright beginning,' said Kim Hurst, a seasoned agribusiness professional and Confluence Genetics' newly appointed Chief Executive Officer.
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Confluence Genetics is set to embark on a new chapter as an agtech start-up following its acquisition by a group of seasoned agribusiness investors, spearheaded by Expedition Ag Partners and S2G Investments. The company will focus on scaling its proprietary ultra-high protein soybean genetics for animal feed, expanding market position in its specialty food grade portfolio, and expanding geographies by leveraging its unique soy germplasm, AI-powered breeding platform, and speed breeding facility.
'This is more than a financial reset—it's a strategic reboot and a bright beginning,' said Kim Hurst, a seasoned agribusiness professional and Confluence Genetics' newly appointed Chief Executive Officer. 'With our proprietary genetics, CropOS ® technology platform, and state-of-the-art speed breeding facility, we will deliver high-value, differentiated, quality trait soybeans.'
Confluence Genetics' acquisition includes more than 350 patents issued or pending, and its 2029 soybean class—recently planted in 2025 field trials—is expected to deliver advanced quality traits in the industry. This lineup of value-added varieties is designed to deliver higher protein, boost oil quality, and offer differentiated genetic advancements across the agriculture value chain.
Expedition Ag Partners President and CEO Mike DeCamp is a veteran agribusiness executive and investor. He played a pivotal role in leading the Debtor-In-Possession financing. As the incoming Board Executive Chairman for Confluence Genetics, DeCamp emphasized that the company's future is built upon valuable lessons learned from past experiences and possesses significant growth potential.
'Confluence Genetics has the right tools, talent, and technology to shape soy innovation in ways that we're only beginning to appreciate,' said DeCamp. 'We at Expedition Ag believe Confluence Genetics has a promising future as a nimble innovation engine that will deliver value across the value chain, from farm gate to end user. Our team is thrilled to support Confluence Genetics as it combines the ambitious spirit of a startup with the disciplined approach of a category leader.'
Under Hurst's leadership, Confluence Genetics will be headquartered at 1200 Research Boulevard in Creve Coeur, Mo., also the location of its indoor speed breeding facility, and will operate with an experienced team of approximately 60 employees. Confluence Genetics represents the latest addition to the 39 North Ag Tech Innovation District, a vibrant agtech ecosystem of researchers, startups, companies, and economic development players in St. Louis.
Additional Information
Additional information about Confluence Genetics and its growing portfolio of soybean genetics will soon be available at www.confluence.ag. The sale to Confluence Genetics is expected to significantly reduce costs, streamline operations, and complete the planned transition to an asset-light licensing model. The sale's closing follows court approval and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
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