ABS Global to Acquire 51% of In Vitro Brazil, the World’s Leading Commercial Provider of Bovine In-Vitro Fertilization Technology

MADISON, Wisconsin, U.S.A. (February 16th, 2015) — ABS® Global, Inc., the world leader in bovine genetics, reproduction services, and artificial insemination technologies, today announces that it has signed an agreement for the acquisition of 51% of In Vitro Brasil S.A. (IVB®).  IVB is a leading biotechnology company focused on the production of bovine embryos through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). IVB is based in Brazil and operates in 13 countries, including the United States, Colombia, and Uruguay.

This transaction strengthens ABS’s global leadership in the development and delivery of differentiated bovine genetics through the introduction of IVF technology. With ABS’s support and established global presence, IVB will be well-positioned to meet the growing demand for IVF in the dairy and beef industries—enabling farmers to accelerate genetic improvement in their herds. “This partnership allows us to offer our customers a comprehensive genetic solution with real world economic benefits,” said Saskia Korink, ABS Chief Operating Officer.

“The acquisition of IVB provides ABS with a significant opportunity to accelerate the rate of genetic improvement we are able to offer our customers,” said Karim Bitar, Genus Chief Executive Officer.

“IVF technology has made huge steps over the last decade and I am truly excited in the opportunities it can bring to our customers in a commercial environment. This technological expertise will help us drive genetic gain with the resultant positive impact this will have on customer profitability,” said Richard Williams, ABS’s North America General Manager.

IVB was established in 2002 by José Henrique F. Pontes, currently CEO of IVB, to meet the need for bovine IVF technology from commercial dairy and beef producers in Brazil. Today, IVB is the primary commercial provider of bovine IVF embryos with a leading presence in Brazil, the globe’s largest bovine IVF market, and a growing presence in other Latin American countries and the United States.

“This transaction combines the world’s leading bovine IVF technology company with the premier bovine genetics company,” said Jose Henrique—who will continue as CEO of IVB within ABS. “We share common values in being pioneers in the industry with a strong focus on translating technical capability into value for customers.”

About ABS
Headquartered in DeForest, Wisconsin, U.S.A., ABS Global, Inc. is the world‐leading provider of bovine genetics, reproduction services, artificial insemination technologies, and udder care products. Marketing in more than 70 countries around the globe, ABS has been at the forefront of animal genetics and technology since its founding in 1941. ABS Global is a division of Genus plc.

About IVB
In Vitro Brasil S.A. is the world’s leading provider of in-vitro fertilization and associated services to the livestock industry. IVB was founded in 2002 to meet the growing demand for bovine embryos. IVB is headquartered in Mogi Mirim, São Paulo state, Brazil, and operates through wholly owned labs, joint ventures, and franchise agreements.

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