Kirchner and Company, Inc. acted as M&A Advisor to Mendel Biotechnology, Inc.

New business platform to focus on research and discovery of biologically based solutions to increase crop yield potential

WICHITA, Kan. & HAYWARD, Calif. Dec 4, 2014– A subsidiary of Koch Agronomic Services, LLC (KAS), announced today that it has purchased the biological research and development business of Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. The business will operate as Mendel Biological Solutions and will continue to be based in Hayward, Calif.

Mendel’s biological research and development team focuses on biological crop solutions which increase crop yield potential through the use of naturally derived products. The acquisition establishes a new biological platform for KAS, furthering its commitment to develop innovative technologies that satisfy evolving needs of the agricultural industry.

“As global population increases so does food demand, and growers are challenged to produce more crops to meet the need,” said Bill Boycott, KAS vice president of biologicals. “The Mendel team has expertise in understanding how plant processes, such as photosynthesis, stress tolerance and nutrient use efficiency, impact crop yields. By integrating Mendel’s research expertise with our commercialization capabilities, we will offer customers a new line of naturally derived products.”

Greg Ikonen, interim CEO of Mendel, added, “We are excited to join KAS and play a part in its vision to develop new biological products that will better serve customers’ changing needs.”

Financial details of the agreement are not being disclosed. Kirchner and Company, the M&A arm of the Kirchner Group, acted as the advisor to Mendel Biotechnology, Inc.

About Koch Agronomic Services, LLC

Koch Agronomic Services, LLC, headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, produces and markets enhanced efficiency fertilizers for the world’s top agriculture producers, and turf and ornamental professionals. Koch Agronomic Services, LLC is committed to delivering exceptional value through a combination of innovative products and outstanding service. Koch Agronomic Services, LLC is a subsidiary of Koch Fertilizer, LLC. Koch Fertilizer, LLC is a subsidiary of Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, LLC.

About Mendel Biotechnology, Inc.

Mendel Biotechnology Inc., headquartered in Hayward, California, is a leading plant science company meeting the needs of global agriculture. Since 1997, Mendel has been deploying its plant gene regulatory network platform and proprietary tools to improve productivity, resource use efficiency and stress tolerance of key agriculture crops.

Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC
Melissa Cohlmia, 316-828-3756
Managing Director, Corporate Communications
Melissa.cohlmia@kochps.com

Source: Koch Agronomic Services, LLC