Monsanto today announced it has acquired the North American canola seed assets of Advanta B.V. - a company
recently purchased by Fox Paine Capital Fund II International, L.P.

The addition of Advanta Seeds(R) canola seed business underscores Monsanto's commitment to the Canadian canola industry and reinforces its ability to bring continued improvements to Canadian canola growers.

"As an innovative crop technology company, we have made a commitment to bring the benefits of biotechnology to crops such as canola," said Kathy Klepfer, general manager for Monsanto Canada. "This is an exciting acquisition for Monsanto Canada as it allows us to bring together two very successful canola seed companies. Combining the outstanding germplasm from these two leading canola development programs will provide a solid platform for future improvements and allow us to accelerate the development of new commercial seed varieties for growers. The combination of DEKALB(R) and ADVANTA(R) will create a new canola seed business second to none in the market."

The purchase provides Monsanto with the North American canola assets of Advanta Seeds(R) - assets that include a dedicated group of employees, quality canola germplasm, a strong canola breeding program, and the Advanta seed brands in Canada.

The Canadian canola business of Advanta Seeds(R) is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and includes additional facilities that include seed production sites in Cranbrook, B.C. and Lethbridge, Alberta and a breeding facility in Carman, Manitoba.

At this time, DEKALB(R) and ADVANTA(R) seed brands will continue to be marketed to farmers across Canada through their respective organizations and their established dealer networks.

Specific details of the purchase agreement were not disclosed.

Monsanto Company is a leading provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.

Advanta Seeds(R) is a registered trademark of Advanta B.V., Advanta Canada Inc., licensee.

DEKALB(R) is a trademark of DEKALB Genetics Corporation. Monsanto Canada Inc., licensee.