COPENHAGEN, Denmark & ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Novozymes (NASDAQ OMX: NZYM B) and Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) today announce they have completed the closing of the The BioAg Alliance, as announced on December 10, 2013. The announcement follows the satisfaction of relevant closing conditions and the receipt of required regulatory approvals. Both companies will now focus on implementing the long-term strategic alliance.

The BioAg Alliance is unique in the industry, bringing together Novozymes’ commercial BioAg operations and capabilities within microbial discovery, development and production with Monsanto’s microbial discovery, advanced biology, field testing and commercial capabilities. The result will be a comprehensive research, development and commercial collaboration for sustainable microbial products to help farmers globally meet the challenge of producing more with less – for the benefit of agriculture, consumers, the environment and society at large.

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/MonsantoCo, on the company blog, Beyond the Rows at www.monsantoblog.com, or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

About Novozymes

Novozymes is the world leader in bioinnovation. Together with customers across a broad array of industries Novozymes creates tomorrow’s industrial biosolutions, improving its customers business and the use of our planets resources. With over 700 products used in 130 countries, Novozymes’ bioinnovations increase industrial performance and safeguard the world’s resources by offering superior and sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s ever-changing marketplace. Read more at www.novozymes.com.

Monsanto Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements about Monsanto 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 companys 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 companys 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 companys research and development activities; the outcomes of major lawsuits and the previously-announced SEC investigation; 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 companys estimates related to distribution inventory levels; the companys 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 companys facilities; and other risks and factors detailed in the companys 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.

Novozymes Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

This company announcement contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are, by their very nature, associated with risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The uncertainties may include unexpected developments in the international currency exchange and securities markets, market-driven price decreases for Novozymes’ products, and the launch of competing products in Novozymes’ core areas.

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