Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Emergent Genetics’ cotton business.  Emergent will be integrated into Monsanto’s existing commercial operations. 

Through its Stoneville and NexGen brands, Emergent Genetics, Inc. is the third largest cotton seed company in the United States, holding approximately 12 percent of the U.S. cotton seed market. Emergent gives Monsanto a branded cotton seed presence that complements its germplasm development and licensing in its Cotton States business, forming a branded and licensed seed platform for cotton that mirrors the business model Monsanto has established in its corn and soybean businesses.

Rich in cotton heritage, the Stoneville brand will continue its focus on research and development of top performing cotton genetics. Breeding cotton since 1922, Stoneville was the world's first to commercialize genetically-engineered cotton seed providing farmers the varieties and traits they need to compete in the global cotton economy. With breeding, production, and sales facilities across the south, Stoneville and NexGen brands will continue their commitment to providing farmers the very best in cotton genetic and trait products.

Monsanto and Emergent believe this decision is good for cotton growers because it will provide more cotton variety choices and do so more quickly. “We are committed to a broad licensing approach to offer customers a wide selection of varieties and trait technologies,” said Kerry Preete, U.S. crop production lead for Monsanto. “In addition to Emergent Genetics, we will broadly license our trait technologies through other seed companies for grower access to traits in the varieties of their choice.”

Few changes are expected for Emergent Genetics in the 2005 season. Beginning with the 2006 season, Emergent’s brand strengths and market knowledge combined with Monsanto’s resources and capabilities in marker-assisted breeding and new technology development are expected to allow Emergent’s brands to become even more competitive.

Monsanto is a leading global provider of seeds, technology and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.