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Platform for new plant traits

Bernard Pelissier checks whether a soybean plant has been successfully pollinated.

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Bernard Pelissier checks whether a soybean plant has been successfully pollinated.

Bayer CropScience plans to purchase Athenix Corp., a privately-held biotechnology company headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States. The acquisition is subject to the approval of the relevant US authorities and will boost Bayer CropScience’s ability to make novel technology and complete agricultural solutions available to growers worldwide.

Athenix has an extensive herbicide tolerance and insect control trait development platform, particularly for corn and soybeans. The acquisition will also bolster Bayer CropScience’s trait platform for its established core crops such as rapeseed/canola, cotton, rice and wheat. The acquisition complements the fast-growing BioScience business of Bayer CropScience by significantly extending its research and development presence in the United States.

Commented Professor Friedrich Berschauer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer CropScience: “As part of our long-term strategy for innovation and growth, we intend to strengthen the position of Bayer CropScience in the seeds and traits market. This acquisition underpins the expansion of our BioScience core crop products and allows us to create a strong R&D platform in North America.”