Hendrix Genetix to expand into aquaculture breeding

Hendrix Genetics and Lithgows Limited have signed a Letter of Intent for Hendrix Genetics to acquire Landcatch & LNS (Landcatch Natural Selection) from Lithgows Limited, reports http://www.megafishnet.com/ with reference to Lithgows Ltd.

Completion is expected in the first half of 2011 and is subject to various necessary consents.

Thijs Hendrix, Président of Hendrix Genetics stated: "We are excited to be able to enter this significant and growing sector. Aquaculture is a sustainable and valuable protein source all over the world and we are confident we can bring new and innovative ideas to a company with a long and successful track record in aquaculture. Aquaculture breeding is a natural extension to our existing portfolio."

"Once our discussions started", commented James Lithgow, Chairman of Lithgows Limited, "it became clear that we share a very similar vision, and we realised that Hendrix Genetics and Landcatch were a natural fit. Landcatch produces its breeding stocks in land-based facilities where they are free from predation and kept in a stress-free environment which ensures high health status. Combining the efforts of our excellent production and R&D teams with those at Hendrix Genetics will make Landcatch and LNS even more effective, and ultimately more successful in supplying superior salmon eggs and juveniles to salmon producers world wide".

Thijs Hendrix added: "This acquisition fits very well with our multi-species breeding strategy, and we look forward to becoming a leading aquaculture breeder, as we have done in turkeys, layers and pigs. With Landcatch and LNS we create a new platform with a new horizon in aquaculture breeding and life sciences".

Landcatch & Landcatch Natural Selection (LNS)

Landcatch was founded in the late 1970s by Sir William Lithgow (industrialist and farmer) and is a leading supplier of salmon eggs and juveniles. LNS is a specialist breeding company, which applies advanced selective breeding technologies to the Landcatch strain of Atlantic salmon, following industry leading biosecurity standards. LNS also provides its technologies and expertise in other fields of animal breeding.

Lithgows Limited

Lithgows Limited is an organisation whose interests range from fish farming to renewable energy . Lithgows is a Scottish family owned business founded in 1874. It started out building ships in Port Glasgow on the lower reaches of the Clyde, an area that was to become the centre of world shipbuilding, and within a few years the new firm was heading the Clyde's tonnage league. Lithgows is a business still firmly based in Scotland, but which has always served the world. Now in its fourth generation of family stewardship, proud of its heritage but firmly focused on the present and the future. http://www.lithgows.co.uk/

Hendrix Genetics B.V.

Hendrix Genetics, headquartered in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, is a leading multi-species breeding company, with 4 divisions: layer breeding (ISA), pig breeding (HYPOR), turkey breeding (HYBRID) and poultry distribution (SFPA, INTEGRA, JOICE AND HILL). The company is dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable genetic solutions to the animal protein sector. Hendrix Genetics supports the global animal protein sector in more than 100 countries, with wholly owned operations and joint ventures in 22 countries with more than 1,500 employees. www.hendrix-genetics.com