Novartis Seeds S.A. signed an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares of Agritrading, a privately held Italian seed company that specializes in research, development and supply of high performance corn germplasm, inbred lines and hybrids. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"This acquisition expands our base of high quality germplasm," noted Ed Shonsey, President and CEO of Novartis Seeds Inc., the company's NAFTA seed operations. "Because of similarities between
some U.S. and southern European corn production areas, we expect even North American customers will benefit from our ability to access this new European genetic material."

Agritrading, a foundation seed company, will strengthen Novartis Seeds' links with other seed companies as well as with European universities and research institutes. Its portfolio includes
40 inbred lines and 78 corn hybrids already sold in many southern European countries.

As part of Novartis Seeds, Agritrading will gain support for research and development, including biotechnology, and have access to additional European markets. It will be part of the Field Crops Europe organization of Novartis Seeds and its structure and organization will be maintained.

Contact:
Amy Beeler
Novartis Seeds, Inc.
(612) 593-7282
amy.beeler@seeds.novartis.com

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