Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON), Gowan Company and Margarita Internacional today announced the signing of a definitive agreement and the sale of certain Monsanto triallate chemistry assets. The financial terms of the agreement were
not disclosed.

The agreement includes product registrations, registration data, trademarks, business information, as well as manufacturing and formulation know-how.

Triallate herbicides can be applied as a pre-emergent or post-emergent control of a variety of grass-type weeds in a number of grain, oilseed and vegetable crops. Triallate is sold under the brand names of Avadex, Buckle, Far-Go and Fortress.

"Gowan Company's emphasis has been rooted in the specialty crop and niche markets," said Cindy Baker, Gowan's president. "The triallate herbicide business allows us the opportunity to further expand our niche marketing into the grain markets, where we can provide this valuable tool to growers."

Through its affiliated companies Gowan Company will incorporate the triallate brands into their existing herbicide product line, which includes a variety of herbicides for specialty agriculture.

"We're pleased to have found a company such as Gowan, a company committed to ensuring that the benefits of these herbicides can continue to be realized by growers," said Jim Bowman, chemistries lead with Monsanto Canada.

This transaction excludes certain triallate selective chemistry rights in Australia, New Zealand and surrounding nations that were sold to an unrelated 3rd party in a separate transaction in 2002.

Gowan Company is a registrant and marketer of crop protection products and is dedicated to providing quality products to growers in the specialty crop markets. The Gowan Group of companies champions technology for agriculture and horticulture through innovative product development, public advocacy and quality production.

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.