August 11, 2000

AgReliant Genetics, LLC of Westfield, Indiana today announced that it has acquired the assets and business of Wensman Seed Company of Wadena, Minnesota. Wensman markets corn, soybean, sunflower, and alfalfa seed to farmers, primarily in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

The President and CEO of AgReliant Genetics, Raphael Journel, stated that "Wensman is a dynamic and growing seed company that will complement our existing market strengths in the eastern Corn Belt where current AgReliant sales are strong. Wensman will offer AgReliant a new, significant presence in the northern Corn Belt and provide an excellent foundation for future growth. As a result of this alliance, Wensman will be in a position to offer many interesting and new products to its customers that have been developed by our breeding program." Mr. Journel continued, "We look forward to the opportunity to work with the entire Wensman team. In particular, we are pleased that Jeff and Jon Wensman will continue to be active in the day to day management of the Company. Jeff will function as the General Manager, and Jon will serve as Production Manager and will continue to be based at the headquarters in Wadena, Minnesota. The Wensman brand will continue to be marketed through the same channels as in the past."

Jeff Wensman stated that "I am excited about our alliance with AgReliant Genetics. We look forward to the access this will bring us to top performing corn hybrids and soybean varieties for our marketing area. This connection with one of the five largest breeding programs in North America will allow us to continue to bring outstanding products to our customers."

AgReliant Genetics is a joint venture recently formed in United States and Canada by subsidiaries of GROUPE LIMAGRAIN of Chappes, France and KWS SAAT AG of Einbeck, Germany. Both parents are independent seed companies and market leaders in corn seed research and sales in Europe and throughout the world. AgReliant Genetics, LLC and its sister company in Canada, AgReliant Genetics Inc. headquartered in Chatham, Ontario, market corn, soybean and alfalfa seed in North America under the AgriGold Hybrids, Great Lakes Hybrids, LG Seeds and Pride brand names.

Company news release
N2948