April 16, 2008

Grimaud signs alliance agreement with Newsham

Press Release

Groupe Grimaud has entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Newsham Choice Genetics.

Under terms of the agreement, Grimaud takes an important interest in Bucolica BV, the Netherlands-based company holding a major interest in Newsham. The Newsham original ownership, Bucolica, the Mitchell family, and key Newsham employees remain in control.

This alliance strengthens the acceleration of Newsham's business development outside North America and seeks synergies in the field of research and development.

Newsham Choice Genetics has extensive experience in the North American market, supplemented by the recent acquisition of Monsanto Choice Genetics. Newsham will continue to develop its R&D and commercial activities in the swine genetics business through maintaining the original focus on North America as well as pursuing selective expansion in new markets in collaboration with the global network of Grimaud.

"I am very pleased with this agreement. It fits perfectly with our long-term strategy to develop a global animal multi-species genetics group. This alliance brings a new promising dimension into our Group," said Frederic Grimaud, president of Groupe Grimaud.

Newsham is currently the second largest supplier of swine genetics in the North American market, and Grimaud is the second largest multi-species poultry genetics group supplying customers in more than 100 countries from its European, US, Brazilian and Asian facilities.