King’s Lynn, Norfolk,
United Kingdom
January 9, 2006
BTG plc (LSE: BGC) and
Germain’s Technology Group
(Germain’s) jointly announce today that Germain’s has acquired
the worldwide rights to BTG’s unique portfolio of technologies
for seed germination enhancement.
The technology portfolio comprises methods and processes for
priming seed, in batches of a few grams to hundreds of kilograms
– including the renowned drum-priming principle – and also
techniques to safely redry seed once it has been primed. This
intellectual property is protected by patents granted in the
USA, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK,
and other countries.
Germain’s will establish new licences for the
systems, while safeguarding and managing the IP rights.
Technical support will come from the researchers at Warwick HRI,
the leading international horticultural research institute, who
invented the technologies. BTG will continue to operate the
existing technology licenses.
Mark Wilson, Germain’s Chief Executive, says: “We are delighted
at this opportunity to add to our range of products and
services. Seed technology is of ever-increasing importance in
the delivery of high quality seed, and systems that provide
effective superior enhancements at the right capacity and the
right time are key enablers.”
Gordon Jamieson, Germain’s Technical Director adds: “The
technologies developed at HRI-Warwick complement Germain’s
capabilities very well – extending our ability to deliver
consistently enhanced germination performance and proven
economic benefits to seed companies and plant growers”.
Colin Hunsley, BTG’s Head of Technology Commercialisation,
comments: “Our new association with Germain’s – a world-leading
company with extensive specialist expertise in seed technology –
will allow BTG to focus more on the advancement of our core
medical science portfolio while realising value from other
assets.”
BTG operates from London, Philadelphia and Tokyo
with worldwide interests in acquiring, protecting, developing
and commercialising innovative research, mainly in
pharmaceuticals and other medical technologies.
Germain’s Technology Group, part of Associated
British Foods plc, is the leading world seed enhancement
company, with operational businesses in Europe and the USA and
technology licenses in the global seed industry. |
