Basel, Switzerland
25 October 2001

Sales for the first nine months of 2001 were $ 5.13 billion compared with $ 5.61 billion for the same period in 2000. At constant exchange rates, sales were 5% lower with Crop Protection down 6% and Seeds up 1%. The underlying sales trend was generally less favorable in the third quarter than
in the second. Currency movements reduced reported sales by 4%, although the impact diminished during the third quarter owing to a weaker dollar.

For Crop Protection, the second half of the year is the main season in Latin America. This year sales are being restrained, notably in Argentina, by the company’s tight credit policy in unstable financial conditions. In Europe and NAFTA, the main season takes place in the first half and sales are lower in the second half. The third quarter in Europe was adversely affected by a decline in selective herbicides. Increased selective herbicide sales in NAFTA were offset by weakness in fungicides and insecticides in drought-affected western areas and an unfavorable US cotton market. Sales in Asia Pacific showed some improvement in the third quarter following delays earlier in the year.

Seeds showed strong growth for the first nine months in Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. In NAFTA sales were affected by difficult markets for all crops.

Sales evolution for the full year 2001 is expected to be similar to the first nine months. Synergy realization is on track and will underpin or slightly improve the EBITDA margin for the year; net financial expense is expected to be around the same level as the pro forma 2000 figure.

Syngenta is a world leading agribusiness. The company ranks first in crop protection, and third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Pro forma sales in 2000 were approximately US $6.9 billion. Syngenta employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative Research and Technology. Formed in November 2000 by the merger of Novartis Agribusiness and Zeneca Agrochemicals, Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in London (SYA), New York (SYT) and Stockholm (SYN). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

Unaudited Nine Month Product Line and Regional Sales Analysis
with Pro Forma Nine Month 2000 Comparatives

Unaudited Third Quarter Product Line and Regional Sales Analysis
with Pro Forma Third Quarter 2000 Comparatives

(1) Unaudited pro forma
(2) Constant exchange rates
(3) Unaudited pro forma
(4) Constant exchange rates

Company news release
N3905