West Des Moines, Iowa
September 26, 2007
The acquisition of
Monsanto Choice
Genetics, Inc. (MCG) will further strengthen
Newsham Genetics' expanding
base of business, according to Newsham Genetics Co-CEO Brent
Mitchell. "Additionally, we'll be able to add new products and
lines that complement our current offerings, accessing new
genetic combinations that provide the most value to our
customers, providing even more product choices."
"With Monsanto Choice Genetics and Newsham Genetics currently
the second and third largest swine genetics companies, the
acquisition will create a very strong and vibrant player in the
North American market with the most extensive technology in the
industry," says Mitchell.
"We have great respect for the entire Monsanto Choice Genetics
team of professionals and are excited about our future
together," explains Newsham's Co-CEO Mark Weaver, DVM.
Newsham Genetics placed high value on the significant investment
made by MCG over the past 10 years in their genomics platform.
According to Weaver, "Monsanto developed the most extensive
swine genomic map in the industry, with over 6,000 genomic
marker associations for swine performance. This technology will
allow Newsham to accelerate genetic progress across many
different traits for the industry."
As part of the agreement, a three-year research alliance has
been established between the two companies. The alliance will
focus on technology and the genomics platform to maximize the
value created in the industry from these tools.
"We're pleased Newsham Genetics is acquiring this business and
will continue to advance the genomic and marker technology
platform for the swine industry," says Kevin Holloway, President
of Monsanto's Animal Agriculture unit. "The research alliance
illustrates Newsham is committed to continuing genomic research
and harvesting the rich pipeline that MCG has developed."
The largest privately owned swine genetics company in the
U.S., Newsham Genetics delivers superior performance breeding
solutions through its SuperMom™ female and SuperSire™ Terminal
Boar lines. Using its unique Gentel® selection technology,
Newsham is a customer-focused provider of high performance, high
health swine genetics.
Monsanto Choice Genetics, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of
DEKALB Genetics Corporation, which is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Monsanto Company. Monsanto (NYSE: MON) is a leading global
provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products
that improve farm productivity and food quality. |
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