Arysta LifeScience Corporation's global growth strategy took another step forward today, with an intended acquisition that adds product depth and distribution rights in the key South American market.

The company announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the main agricultural chemical assets of Monsanto's Chile-based Moviagro subsidiary. The transaction includes the Moviagro name. The resulting company will be known as Arysta-Moviagro.

Monsanto and Arysta also agreed to enter into a supply agreement for formulated Roundup® agricultural herbicides as well Monsanto's Lasso® Micro-Tech®, Latitude®, and Guardian® herbicides for sale in Chile, including an exclusive license to the Monsanto trademarks for these herbicides in Chile.

A fully-owned division of Monsanto since 2001, the Monsanto-Moviagro agricultural chemical business is Chile's fifth largest distributor of agricultural chemicals. This division holds a 12% market share in Chile, on sales of US $22 million (2003).

Dr. Christopher Richards, Arysta's President and CEO, describes the Moviagro acquisition as the latest expression of Arysta's long-term strategy for growth. With it, Arysta gains highly capable employees and a proven distribution network for both licensed and Arysta-branded crop protection products.

"Emerging markets are an important focus of our strategy, and we're particularly committed to growing our business in South America," says Dr. Richards. "In the Chilean market, Moviagro is known for its innovative agronomic technology, value-added services and knowledgeable, dedicated employees. We consider Chile to be an ideal location from which to expand South American distribution, market share and the Arysta brand. Arysta has a 3% market share in South America, which we intend to increase to 5% within five years."

Arysta's South American strategy will be supported by a reorganized South American business unit. The newly formed unit, led by Yukio Arai and based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, will execute region-based management of Arysta's business strategy. Arysta already owns distribution in several South American countries, including Hokko do Brasil in Brazil, Coljap in Colombia, Callipar in Paraguay, Calliope-Bolivia in Bolivia, Vimagro in Venezuela and Arvesta Mexico.

Says Dr. Richards: "We are particularly delighted to welcome the Moviagro team to the Arysta family. With their support we look forward to a smooth transition, maintaining Moviagro's excellent customer relationships."

"We're pleased to be working with Arysta and that the Arysta-Moviagro business will continue to serve Chilean farmers while allowing us to focus our energy on our core business areas," said Brett D. Begemann, Monsanto's executive vice president of international operations.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Arysta is an entrepreneurial provider of crop protection and life science products worldwide. The company is growing by building a world class business in the development, marketing and distribution of respected crop protection brands and an intimate understanding of the needs of global producers.

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

Roundup, Lasso, Micro-Tech, Latitude and Guardian are trademarks owned by Monsanto Technology, LLC.