Rhône-Poulenc Agro and Biogemma recently finalised the creation of RHOBIO, their plant biotechnology joint venture following the signing of a letter of intent in October 1997.

RHOBIO will complement the biotechnology research on major crop varieties already undertaken by Biogemma and Rhône-Poulenc Agro by implementing plant biotechnology research programmes of common interest and by capitalising on the results.

RHOBIO will work more specifically on plant disease resistance, building up gene libraries and the development of genetic engineering technology (transformation techniques, transgenic
expression systems, protein targeting, etc.).

RHOBIO is a limited company based in Lyons. Its chairman is Claude Lescoffit, Chair of Biogemma's Executive Committee, and its director Georges Freyssinet, Scientific Advisor of the
Rhône-Poulenc Group.

The aim of this cooperation agreement between Rhône-Poulenc Agro and Biogemma is to develop a competitive French and European centre for plant biotechnology.

The creation of RHOBIO represents another step in a series of measures already undertaken jointly by the Limagrain and Rhône-Poulenc Groups. It reflects the joint strategies of Rhône-Poulenc Agro and Biogemma which aim to develop new solutions for agricultural production based both on the development of new generation crop protection products and on the
improvement of plants via biotechnology.

Biogemma is the plant biotechnology research firm set up in early 1997 by the seed groups Limagrain and Pau-Euralis and the financial companies Unigrains and Sofiprotéol. Biogemma brings together, in particular, the biotechnology laboratories of the Limagrain and Pau-Euralis groups.

Rhône-Poulenc Agro researches, develops and markets a full range of crop protection products and innovative solutions aimed at improving agricultural production worldwide. In 1997, Rhône-Poulenc Agro realised sales of FF12.8 billion.

Rhône-Poulenc, one of the leading players in the field of life sciences, seeks growth based on innovation in human, plant and animal health, as well as in specialty chemicals, via its subsidiary
Rhodia. With operations in 160 countries and a workforce of 68,000, Rhône-Poulenc achieved sales of FF90 billion in 1997.

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