Neogen Acquires Igenity from Merial; Terms Not Disclosed

Neogen Corporation

announced today that it has acquired the assets of the Igenity animal genomics business from Merial Limited. Igenity will operate as a part of Neogen's GeneSeek subsidiary, which already has a significant place in the worldwide animal genomics business. Igenity has been in use in the United States and several other countries for nine years, and already has provided cattle producers with the tools to make significant improvements in cattle genetics. In the past, GeneSeek conducted the genetic testing of samples for Igenity, and Igenity then used that information with its extensive bioinformatics system to identify the animal's positive or negative traits. The Igenity business will be moved to GeneSeek's operations in Lincoln, Nebraska. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. "After working as the laboratory partner for Merial's Igenity program for the past several years, we have been very pleased to aid in the expansion and improvement of the bioinformatics models that allow cattlemen to select the right individuals for their breeding programs and cattle feeders to select the desired feedlot cattle for quality beef in the market place," said James Herbert, Neogen's chief executive officer and chairman. "Although GeneSeek will continue its multifaceted animal genomics business, the Igenity program will allow us to carry very specific and easy-to-use information to the commercial beef producers and processors around the world."