August 4, 2008

Hendrix Genetics and Sofiproteol have signed and completed an agreement in animal genetics and life sciences.
 

Under the agreement, Sofiproteol will acquire 12 percent of the outstanding share capital and related voting rights in Hendrix Genetics B.V. and becomes a long term strategic shareholder; formed a strategic alliance in which the parties will focus on growth and consolidation opportunities in global animal breeding and life sciences; and Hendrix Genetics S.A.S. acquired France Hybrides S.A.S, a famous French swine genetics company, from Groupe Glon. It will be integrated in its swine genetics division Hypor.   

Headquartered in Paris, Sofiproteol was the financial arm in France's vegetable oil and plant-proteins sector. It supports the development and use of oilseed and protein-rich crops and is also strongly involved in plant genetics through strategic minority investments, both in seeds and biotechnologies. Since mid 2007 it is a 60% shareholder in Groupe Glon.

Hendrix Genetics is a global multi-species animal genetics company with four divisions: Institut de Selection Animale (ISA), the layer breeding division; Hybrid the turkey breeding division; Hypor the pig breeding division and SFPA (Societe Francaise de Production Avicole), the poultry distribution division.

Groupe Glon is headquartered in Pontivy, Brittany. Its activities are animal nutrition, agricultural supplies, genetics and animal health, food industry, services and expertise.