Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc. ("IFSI") and Seed Genetics, Inc. ("SGI^®") announced today that they have signed an agreement to enter into a strategic alliance to supply corn genetics and technology to the seed corn industry.  Under the terms of the agreement, IFSI will acquire all the outstanding shares of SGI and will use SGI to license and market products to seed corn companies. 

Tim Johnson, President of SGI said, "IFSI will continue to focus on the development of advanced genetics and incorporating traits to meet the needs of the seed industry.  The relationship between the two companies is a further example of SGI's and IFSI’s commitment to deliver leading genetics and technologies to its customers."

This agreement represents another step forward for seed companies to access new genetics and technology for commercialization.  It also assures the seed industry and farmers of a continuing source of elite corn genetics and traits.  "IFSI has been breeding corn for over 40 years and continues to develop leading corn inbreds for this industry."

John Hiser, Vice-President of IFSI stated:  "IFSI is excited to be entering into a strategic alliance with SGI.  SGI has demonstrated its ability to deliver superior genetics and technology to the seed corn industry, and is an ideal partner given the leadership role that SGI is taking in the licensing business.  We see SGI as a strong avenue by which our genetics will reach the marketplace."

The IFSI/SGI agreement will give seed companies a stronger option to commercialize elite genetics and traits.  The strength of the two testing networks will allow customers and originators a new broader testing system packaged with a powerful yield and agronomic database, enabling research and product management to effectively launch products into the market.

IFSI genetics and originators together with SGI originators will enhance customer's access to the best genetics.  Many of SGI's originators will gain from this relationship with more opportunities in breeding, testing and  strong trait development program of IFSI.  SGI's strength with multiple traits will become stronger in combination with IFSI's own breeding program to create a consistent flow of diverse products for seed companies.

Over a period of time, we will centralize distribution, billing and reporting.  We will also maximize the use of production opportunities and build on our information and customer services.

One of the goals of the alliance will be to develop a strong product development program for optimum product introduction to seed corn companies.  This will bring a significant value to our combined customer base. 

Seed Genetics, Inc. is a leading U.S. corn seed technology and licensing company that is providing high quality and superior corn inbreds and novel traits to the seed corn industry by representing genetics and technologies of multiple companies.  IFSI will add to this strength in breeding, testing, production and inventory distribution.

Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc., a company with over 65 years of experience, is a leading U.S. corn germplasm research and product development company engaged in worldwide marketing of dent corn and sweet corn products.

For further information about the alliance, contact Tim Johnson at 765-448-9696 or via email at sgi@seedgenetics.com

Seed Genetics inc. ^® is a registered trademark
SGI^® is a registered trademark