BASEL, Switzerland, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Syngenta announced today the signing of an agreement to acquire from Monsanto its global hybrid sunflower seeds activities for a consideration of $160 million, on a cash and debt-free basis. The asset deal includes germplasm, development and breeding of hybrid sunflower seeds. The business recorded sales of $75 million in the 2008 fiscal year and has leading positions in key markets. Syngenta's sunflower seeds business is the global market leader with sales of more than $200 million in 2008. "This acquisition is an excellent addition to our global sunflower business. These activities will further strengthen our position in Europe and Latin America, key regions for growing sunflowers, and expand the range of our offer to growers," said Davor Pisk, Chief Operating Officer Syngenta Seeds. Sunflower oil is a high value vegetable oil which is low in saturated fats and mostly used in food applications. Globally, sunflowers are grown on around 24 million hectares. Major sunflower producing countries are Russia, Ukraine, Argentina, France and Central Europe. The sunflower seeds market is currently valued at around $700 million with more than 75% of the value coming from developing markets. The transaction is subject to the approval of regulatory authorities. Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to http://www.syngenta.com/. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefor. Syngenta International AG Media Office CH-4002 Basel Switzerland Tel: +41 61 323 23 23 Fax: +41 61 323 24 24 http://www.syngenta.com/ Media contact: Medard Schoenmaeckers Switzerland +41 61 323 2323 Analyst/Investor contacts: Jennifer Gough Switzerland +41 61 323 5059 USA +1 202 737 6521 John Hudson Switzerland +41 61 323 6793 USA +1 202 737 6520 DATASOURCE: Syngenta CONTACT: Syngenta International AG, Media Office, Tel: +41-61-323-23-23, Fax: +41-61-323-24-24; Media: Medard Schoenmaeckers, +41-61-323-2323, Analyst/Investor: Jennifer Gough, +41-61-323-5059, or +1-202-737-6521, John Hudson, +41-61-323-6793, or +1-202-737-6520, all for Syngenta Web Site: http://www.syngenta.com/

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