| Agris Corporation
acquires RDI Technologies, Inc. |
Roswell, Georgia
February 8, 1999
Leading provider of information technology products and services for the agricultural
industry purchases accounting and agribusiness software provider.
AGRIS Corporation announced today that it has acquired RDI Technologies, Inc. ("RDI") of Spicer, MN.
RDI is a leading provider of Windows-based accounting and agribusiness software with a
strong focus on products designed for seed, milling, and fertilizer/chemical companies.
AGRIS' software products include AGRIS V8, AgLink, AgStar/2, oneWeigh, and Centrak. The
acquisition broadens AGRIS' current product line and positions the
company as the world's largest supplier of information technologies and related services
to agribusiness.
Tom Taylor, CEO and President of AGRIS, commented that "Rapid consolidation in the
agribusiness industry has created a need for more sophisticated IT systems and related
support services in rural settings. In order to achieve the critical mass necessary to
effectively provide new information products to the industry, AGRIS has embarked on an
aggressive growth strategy. The acquisition of RDI supports this strategy by bringing
talented people, innovative products, and strong customers to AGRIS."
Bruce Lichty, former RDI President, has accepted a position on AGRIS' Executive Management
team as Vice President of Research and Development. In his new role, Mr. Lichty brings
more than 30 years of experience in IT development and implementation. According to Mr.
Taylor, "We are extremely pleased to have someone of Bruce's caliber on our team. He
has proven that he
understands the complexities of modern IT systems and has demonstrated a clear knowledge
of the unique needs of the agribusiness industry. All of our customers will benefit from
his experience and knowledge."
The entire RDI staff of 41 has joined 230 AGRIS professionals and will continue to operate
out of their office in Spicer, Minnesota. Several former RDI employees are assuming other
key management positions within AGRIS. AGRIS will honor all existing contracts and
agreements with RDI customers and plans to continue existing product lines, services, and
support.
Mr. Lichty commented that "RDI employees are excited to become part of a growing
company dedicated to bringing the best information technology to agribusiness. We are
committed to the highest level of standards and service both to our current and future
customers."
AGRIS Corporation, founded in 1978, is the leading provider of information technology
products and services to the worldwide agribusiness industry. AGRIS software systems
include a variety of business management tools for ag chemical, fertilizer, and farm
supply retailers; grain elevators; seed, feed, and milling companies; and food processors.
In addition, AGRIS offers PCs, networks, and communication services; training and support
services; grower management systems; and crop production tools. AGRIS has more than
4000 customer locations supported by 270 employees with offices in Roswell (Atlanta), GA;
Inver Grove Heights (Minneapolis), MN; Spicer, MN; Hutchinson, KS; Lathrop, CA; and
Johannesburg, South Africa. N1614 |
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