Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. has reached an agreement to purchase a majority share in Pannar Seed Ltd., a South Africa-based seed company with operations throughout Africa and other parts of the world. Financial terms for the agreement were not disclosed. Pending regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to close in early 2011. The investment will allow each business to access additional crop areas, reach more customers and deliver improved seed products more quickly than either can do on its own, Pioneer said in a press release. Pioneer will tap into Pannar’s expertise and reach across Africa and its maize genetics developed specifically for the region.