Monsanto Company to Purchase Planting Technology Developer Precision Planting, a Leader in Delivering Yield Through Technology

ST. LOUIS, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In line with its vision of delivering yield to farmers sustainably, Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) today announced it reached an agreement to purchase planting technology developer Precision Planting, Inc., a proven leader in improving yields through on-farm planting performance. 

The Precision Planting team will become part of Monsanto's Integrated Farming Systems unit, which utilizes advanced agronomic practices, seed genetics and innovative on-farm technology to deliver optimal yield to farmers while using fewer resources. Precision Planting has a long history of innovations that optimize planter performance and increase yield potential, including the new FieldView™ technology, which offers an application designed to monitor all critical aspects of planter performance and crop data analysis. That will complement Monsanto's planned Integrated Farming Systems offering of science-based agronomic seed prescriptions combined with next-generation precision equipment to help farmers boost yields and reduce risk.

"This underscores our commitment to maximizing yield for farmers while optimizing crop inputs, which is central to our vision of sustainable agriculture," said Robb Fraley, Monsanto's chief technology officer. Fraley noted that as a company focused on yield, Monsanto is well-positioned to advance the latest planting technology applications and looks forward to continuing its work with seed dealers, Precision Planting dealers and leading equipment companies to achieve this.  

"Precision Planting's goal is to boost yields through equipment innovation," said Gregg Sauder, founder of Precision Planting.  "Monsanto delivers yield through genetics and traits. Together, we can develop the advanced planting technologies that accurately deliver the optimum genetics to each square foot of soil."

Based in Tremont, Ill., Precision Planting was founded in 1993 by Sauder and his wife, Cindy.  The Sauders had an interest in and talent for developing planter add-ons to achieve precise depth and spacing to maximize yields and crop performance on their own farm. The company has grown significantly since then and today is a technology leader that develops the latest software, hardware and after-market production equipment to help farmers plant, harvest and analyze data from each field to improve yield and productivity.  Precision Planting has a rich pipeline including a system designed to help simplify variable rate planting and increase farmers' yields through more accurate planting. 

The Precision Planting operations will remain in Tremont and all Precision employees will be offered their continued jobs in Tremont.  Monsanto agreed to pay $210 million for the business, plus a performance-based payment of up to $40 million.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close this summer.  Other terms were not disclosed.

Fraley will discuss Integrated Farming Systems and this morning's announcement during an investor presentation that will be webcast at 7 a.m. central time today. Presentation slides and the webcast may be accessed by visiting the company's web site at www.monsanto.com and clicking on "Investor Information." Following the live broadcast, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Monsanto website for three weeks.

About Monsanto Company
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com.  Follow our business on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/MonsantoNews, on the company blog, Beyond the Rows® at www.monsantoblog.com, or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information:
Certain statements contained in this release are "forward-looking statements," such as statements concerning the company's anticipated financial results, current and future product performance, regulatory approvals, business and financial plans and other non-historical facts. These statements are based on current expectations and currently available information. However, since these statements are based on factors that involve risks and uncertainties, the company's actual performance and results may differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, among others: continued competition in seeds, traits and agricultural chemicals; the company's exposure to various contingencies, including those related to intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance and the speed with which approvals are received, and public acceptance of biotechnology products; the success of the company's research and development activities; the outcomes of major lawsuits and the previously-announced SEC investigation; the previously reported material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting; developments related to foreign currencies and economies; successful operation of recent acquisitions; fluctuations in commodity prices; compliance with regulations affecting our manufacturing; the accuracy of the company's estimates related to distribution inventory levels; the company's ability to fund its short-term financing needs and to obtain payment for the products that it sells; the effect of weather conditions, natural disasters and accidents on the agriculture business or the company's facilities; and other risks and factors detailed in the company's most recent Form 10-K Report to the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this release. The company disclaims any current intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements or any of the factors that may affect actual results.

SOURCE Monsanto Company