May 4, 2012
Neogen acquires Igenity from Merial
Food and animal safety company Neogen Corporation has acquired the assets of the Igenity animal genomics business from Merial Limited.
Igenity will operate as a part of Neogen's GeneSeek subsidiary, which already has a significant place in the worldwide animal genomics business. The Igenity business will be moved to GeneSeek's operations in Lincoln, Nebraska. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Igenity began the program to fill a void in beef cattle genetic development to help its animal health customers improve the performance of their animals and their profitability. The Igenity program has commercialised the bioinformatics to detect a number of cattle diseases that have been found to be genetically transmitted. Results from these tests allow cattle producers to make certain that genetic carriers are not used in on-going breeding programs.
The Igenity program has extended beyond beef production to dairy and other traits, however, the majority of the activity for the past few years has been aimed at improving beef production and profitability on a worldwide basis. Igenity also maintains significant business in Canada, the UK and Brazil.
In the past, GeneSeek conducted the genetic testing of samples for Igenity, and Igenity then used that information with its extensive bioinformatics system to identify the animal's positive or negative traits.
"Although GeneSeek will continue its multifaceted animal genomics business, the Igenity program will allow us to carry very specific and easy-to-use information to the commercial beef producers and processors around the world," said James Herbert, Neogen's chief executive officer and chairman.
GeneSeek serves as the laboratory partner for the leading breed registries in both beef cattle and dairy cattle. The company also works closely with the largest swine breeders worldwide, sheep breeders around the world, including Australia and New Zealand, and also is the major player in testing to verify canine parentage.
