Seed Research of Oregon will acquire the North American turfgrass marketing program of Advanta Seeds, Inc., the two companies announced today. Both firms will also participate in a cooperative research program to develop new and improved turfgrass varieties through conventional breeding and biotechnology. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"We're pleased to be working with Advanta in this joint research effort", said Tom Pape, vice president and general manager of SRO. "Their people are highly respected in the industry and the company has made a significant investment in biotechnology research which opens up some exciting possibilities."

In addition to the acquisition of Advanta's turfgrass marketing group and participation in the cooperative research program, SRO will assume responsibility for Advanta's turf and forage seed production, Pape said. "The strategic fit and complementary strengths of our two companies, both in research and marketing, made this agreement a true win-win situation," said David Holman, general manager of Advanta Seeds Pacific, Inc. "We are pleased to have a research partner with the sales and marketing capabilities of SRO. We are confident that SRO has the resources and capabilities to build on the turf sales organization developed by ADVANTA in North America. Advanta Seeds Pacific will continue to market forage grasses in North America, utilizing material from Advanta's global breeding programs."

Seed Research of Oregon (SRO), a division of Research Seeds, Inc. of St. Joseph, MO, is an acknowledged leader in the research, breeding and production of turfgrasses for golf courses and commercial markets.

Research Seeds, Inc. has been recognized as a worldwide leader in the development, production and marketing of proprietary forage, turf seed and microbial products for nearly 30 years.

Advanta Seeds, Inc. is a member of the Advanta Seed Group, part of a global joint venture between Zeneca and Cooperatie Cosun U.A., a Netherlands based company. The Advanta Seed Group is ranked among the top five seed companies in the world and is a leader in agricultural crop seeds.

Company news release
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