As announced on 12 May, Syngenta and the investment company Fox Paine have now completed the acquisition of Advanta BV with the final transfer of ownership, following all regulatory approvals.

Syngenta has acquired the North American corn and soybean business of Advanta, which trades under the Garst brand. Fox Paine now owns all Advanta operations outside North America and the non-corn and non-soybean operations within North America.

Syngenta’s acquisition was approved on 17 August by the European Commission and on 25 August by the US Department of Justice. Fox Paine’s acquisition received regulatory clearance in the US on 2 September and in Europe on 3 September, enabling final completion of the transaction on 8 September.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2003 were approximately $6.6 billion. Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).