Synthomer Np Discussion Threads

[ariane] 26/8/2005 09:07

Argentina OKs new GMO corn developed by Syngenta

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

BUENOS AIRES - Argentina, the world's No.2 corn exporter, approved on Monday a new genetically modified (GMO) corn made by Swiss firm Syngenta


The variety, known as GA21, is resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, just like Roundup Ready corn developed by rival biotech giant Monsanto .

The government forecasts that farmers will seed between 3.0 million and 3.1 million hectares with corn this season, down from 3.32 million hectares in the 2004/05 crop year, mainly because GMO soybeans are cheaper and easier to grow.

But the government wants to encourage farmers to plant corn, which is crucial for replenishing soil nutrients.

"If through biotechnology we can achieve costs that are similar to soy's costs, this will generate sustainable crop rotations," Agriculture Secretary Miguel Campos told a news conference.

Because Argentina already approved Roundup Ready corn last year, the impact of this green light is not expected to be great.

But Campos said Argentine farmers choose among more than 148 variations of Roundup Ready soybeans, which revolutionized the farm sector after their introduction in 1996, indicating that there is a market for fine-tuned crop options. Still pending is approval of a Monsanto corn variety that combines Bt and Roundup Ready genes to resist both insects and glyphosate, which analysts expect to have greater impact since Bt corn is already seeded on about 60 percent of corn lands. A conflict between the government and Monsanto over GMO soybean royalties has cast doubt about when the government would approve this new variety.

Argentina is the world's No.2 producer of GMO crops behind the United States, with ten biotech crop varieties approved for seeding: one for soy, two for cotton and now seven for corn, according to biotech lobby ArgenBio.

[ariane] 24/8/2005 09:26

Syngenta Boosted By Brazilian Tax News

Wednesday, August 24, 2005 3:07:35 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0658 GMT [Dow Jones] Brazil lowers its fertilizer and agrochemical import tax to help farmers to face the financial pressures from 1H droughts. This is slightly positive for Syngenta (SYT), says HSBC. Adds it will have a lesser impact on the crop science units of Bayer (BAY) and BASF (BF). The government move will partially offset some fears over the direction of farm incomes in Latin America in 2H and 2006. Syngenta closed at CHF135.30. (SWZ)

[ariane] 14/8/2005 15:08

Agri-Business
Syngenta patenting is threat to Indian food security

NEW DELHI: In an attempt to have monopoly control over rice, Swiss biotech giant, Syngenta has sought global patents over nearly 30,000 gene sequences in rice, which has serious implications for the future of rice research and food security of India.

If Syngenta's application for global patents is accepted, India will lose all control over the staple grain. "It will be the beginning of a scientific apartheid not only against India but for all third world countries," said Dr Devinder Sharma, Chairpers on of the New Delhi-based Forum for Biotechnology & Food Security.

India is one of the seats of origin of rice, which is world's most important staple crop. A single grain of rice contains 37, 544 genes, roughly one-fourth more than the genes in a human body.

Syngenta's patent claims are also aimed at other important food crops such as wheat, corn, sorghum, rye, banana, soyabean, fruits and vegetables besides others.

The company claims that most of the gene sequences that it has 'invented' are identical in other crops and therefore the patent needs to extend to those crops also. In all, Syngenta has filed for patents on 15 gene sequences covering thousands of genes, peptides, transgenic plants and seeds and method of genetic engineering, Dr Sharma said.

These patents have been filed before the European Patent Office, US Patent and Trademark Office and the World Intellectual Property Rights Organisation (WIPO). Syngenta made this known to a few NGOs on August 9, saying that the scope of many of these pat ents will be reduced as the examination of patents proceeds.

Staple food for more than half the world's population, rice is part of the Asian culture. Nearly 91 per cent of world's rice is produced in Asia, and 92 per cent is eaten in Asia. Rice is the principal food of three of the world's four most populous nati ons: China, India and Indonesia. For more than 2.5 billion people in these three countries alone - rice is what they grow up with. For centuries, rice has been the sociology, tradition and lifeline for the majority world.

"As the world finished commemorating the international year of rice in 2004, the multinational agribusiness giant, Syngenta, has already claimed ownership of rice.

"In other words, biological inheritance of the world's major food crop is now in the hands of a Swiss multinational," Mr Sharma said, adding that Syngenta, in collaboration with Myriad Genetics Inc of USA, has beaten Monsanto in the game by sequencing mo re than 99.5 per cent of the rice genome. - UNI

[grupo guitarlumber] 11/8/2005 13:00

Bayer Results Show Syngenta Performed Better

Thursday, August 11, 2005 6:22:48 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1014 GMT [Dow Jones] Bayer's (BAY) crop science unit results, showing a 2.3% sales decline and a 6.5% decline in EBIT before restructuring, highlight that Syngenta (SYT) performed better than peers and gained market share, says Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch. Adds worry for all agrochemical players remains start of planting season in Brazil, where visibility is low. Notes Bayer's management sounded confident on Brazil. Keeps Syngenta at buy. Syngenta flat at CHF139.50, Bayer -0.7% at EUR29.88. (SWZ)

[grupo guitarlumber] 03/8/2005 08:02

JP Morgan Ups Syngenta Target, EPS

Wednesday, August 03, 2005 2:36:58 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0625 GMT [Dow Jones] JP Morgan lifts Syngenta (SYT) price target to CHF135 from CHF125, increases '05 EPS forecast to $7.40 from $6.90, raises '06 EPS estimate to $8.70 from $8 as the 1H numbers showed "impressive top line resilience" given the challenging agrochemical markets. However, sees limited scope for any further positive earnings surprises, as the environment remains challenging. Keeps neutral recommendation. Shares closed at CHF139.90. (SWZ)

[grupo guitarlumber] 02/8/2005 15:49

Syngenta Hits Fresh Highs After Strong 1H

Tuesday, August 02, 2005 11:22:57 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1507 GMT [Dow Jones]--Syngenta (SYT) +4% at CHF139.50, trading at new all-time highs, as good 1H results still propel shares towards CHF140 resistance. Trader says Tuesday's UBS target price upgrade to CHF177 gives further boost after the better than expected results. Another trader adds that many shorts are in the market as some had expected the results to surprise on the downside after peer Dupont's (DD) weaker agrochemical sales, which now need to get out as shares continue to rise.(SWZ)

[grupo guitarlumber] 02/8/2005 10:59

Bank Leu Raises Syngenta Target To CHF154

Tuesday, August 02, 2005 5:37:41 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0917 GMT [Dow Jones]--Bank Leu lifts Syngenta (SYT) target to CHF154 from CHF142 as underlying growth presented at the 1H results was a touch above forecast. Expects company to upgrade FY guidance - with the 3Q trading update - from current expectation of 15%-20% EPS growth. Keeps buy recommendation. Shares +1.9% at CHF136.60.(SWZ)

[grupo guitarlumber] 02/8/2005 09:37

Goldman Sachs Ups Syngenta Estimates

Tuesday, August 02, 2005 5:07:40 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires




0848 GMT [Dow Jones]--Goldman Sachs lifts Syngenta (SYT) '05 earnings per share forecast to $7.78 from $6.91, '06, '07 EPS estimates by 2% to $8.12 and $8.49 respectively. Says share buyback and restructuring are progressing well and 2005 looks to be an "exceptional year for the corn market." GS adds that following the acquisition of two seeds companies in 2004, Syngenta is generally better positioned. Keeps in-line rating with CHF148 fair value. Shares +1.9% at CHF136.60, close to all time highs. (SWZ)

[grupo guitarlumber] 02/8/2005 07:14

UBS Lifts Syngenta Target To CHF177

Tuesday, August 02, 2005 3:02:10 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0647 GMT [Dow Jones] UBS raises Syngenta (SYT) target to CHF177 from CHF165, following "resilient revenue performance". Says underlying growth in crop protection beat estimate. Sales growth for is Seeds also better than expected. "As expected, free cash flow was weak but should reverse sharply in 2H." Keeps buy. Shares closed at CHF134.10. (HJS)

[grupo guitarlumber] 01/8/2005 15:58

Syngenta Announces Launch of Optigard ZT Insecticide

8/1/2005




GREENSBORO, N.C. â€" The first non-repellent insecticide for wall void treatments that controls nuisance pests including ants, beetles and drywood termites is now available from Syngenta Professional Products.



Optigard ZT is a new broad-spectrum insecticide that controls 13 pests. Applied to the critical zones of a building, such as window frames, utility penetrations and brick or siding lines, the insecticide provides protection to the complete structure. According to Syngenta, the new product is more effective than repellent insecticides because it allows insects to travel through a treated zone and carry the active ingredient back to the nest, where it can affect additional insects.

Optigard ZT benefits pest management professionals through a favorable environment profile as well as quick and easy application, in a pre-mixed and pre-measured unit dose syringe. The active ingredient, thiamethoxam, controls insects by targeting the nervous system, killing the pest within days.

“Optigard ZT is an important addition to our portfolio,” said Geoff Foster, marketing manager, Syngenta. “As the first non-repellent wall void treatment for pests, this product will allow pest management professionals to address a previously overlooked area, thereby providing more complete insect control for their customers.”

A complement to outdoor perimeter control methods, such as Demand CS with iCAP technology, Optigard ZT is applied as a zone treatment to infested areas, using liquid and foam applications. According to Syngenta, zone treatments are a valuable component of low-impact or IPM approaches to pest control; Optigard ZT is expected to be effective for at least three to six months. When used in combination, Demand CS and Optigard ZT provide superior protection from nuisance pests, the manufacturer reports.

For more information, visit www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com.

Monday, August 1, 2005

[grupo guitarlumber] 29/7/2005 11:16

Lombard Ups Syngenta Target To CHF150

Friday, July 29, 2005 6:37:39 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1026 GMT [Dow Jones]--Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch raises Syngenta (SYT) target to CHF150 from CHF145 but remains cautious for 2H, forecasting 3% organic sales decline for overall group in 2H based on a weaker performance in Latin America. With "The uncertainty regarding Europe now cleared, eyes turn to LATAM." Says if season there doesn't prove too bad, management could still upgrade its earnings guidance with the 3Q sales update. Shares rated buy. Shares -0.8% at CHF134.60. (SWZ)

[grupo guitarlumber] 29/7/2005 06:43

Smith Barney Ups Syngenta Target, EPS

Friday, July 29, 2005 2:32:01 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0621 GMT [Dow Jones] Smith Barney lifts Syngenta (SYT) target to CHF130 from CHF125 after strong 1H results, increases '05 EPS forecast to $7.56 from $7.29, '06 EPS estimate to $8.62 from $8.31. Although Syngenta remains confident, industry growth is slowing, "with the important Brazilian market in 2H suffering from the strong real, and further market share gains from Monsanto likely to continue." Expects these risks to limit share performance in the near term. Keeps at hold. Syngenta closed at CHF135.70. (SWZ)

[grupo guitarlumber] 28/7/2005 08:20

Syngenta Poised For Further Growth

Thursday, July 28, 2005 3:21:54 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires




0711 GMT [Dow Jones]--Syngenta (SYT) is well-placed to benefit from its strong portfolio and robust pipeline, after 1H figures show that company is on track, says Morgan Stanley. "We strongly believe that the current share price doesn't appropriately reflect the potential in the group's genetically modified trait portfolio and the potential sales derived from Asian Rust, which now looks more likely in 2006 than 2005," it adds. Rates stock overweight with a price target of CHF150. Stock +2.5% at CHF131.8. (GOM)

[grupo guitarlumber] 28/7/2005 05:58

Syngenta, other ag companies sued for alleged RICO violations

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Koban Japanese Restaurant

AJ Spa Products

Redwin



By REBECCA BOONE
Associated Press Writer

July 27, 2005, 9:15 PM EDT

BOISE, Idaho -- Four major agricultural companies and a nonprofit organization were sued Wednesday by Canyon County commissioners, who accuse them of conspiring to hire and harbor illegal immigrants.

The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court contends the four companies _ Syngenta Seeds, Sorrento Lactalis, Swift Beef Co. and Harris Moran Seed Co. _ and the nonprofit Idaho Migrant Council _ have violated the federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, which was designed to target the mafia.

Canyon County in southwestern Idaho alleges the businesses are hurting the county by taking part in an "illegal immigrant hiring scheme," and that the undocumented workers use county resources such as indigent medical care, jails and schools.

The lawsuit marks the first time a government entity has used RICO to demand damages from businesses for the costs of allegedly illegal employees, say legal experts including Notre Dame law Professor G. Robert Blakey, one of the authors of the federal law. If the county wins, the payoff could be huge _ the federal anti-racketeering act allows damaged parties to collect triple damages.

"Illegal immigration is not a victimless crime. It has cost Canyon County millions of dollars, and we expect to recover it," said Howard Foster, an attorney with the Chicago firm of Johnson & Bell who is representing the county. "I believe Canyon County will open the doors for other municipalities across the country to follow suit."

The four companies, which together employ hundreds of workers in Canyon County, are accused of knowingly hiring hundreds of illegal workers, partly through agreements with worker recruiting companies.

"The defendants are dedicated to employing as many illegal immigrant workers as they can in Canyon County," the lawsuit claims.

Both John Schoenecker, a spokesman for Harris Moran Seed, and Anne Burt with Syngenta Seeds said they could not comment. Syngenta had not yet been served with a copy of the suit, Burt said.

Jim Herlihy, a spokesman for parent company Swift & Co., said his company strictly follows federal hiring guidelines. Swift & Co. runs a meat processing plant in Canyon County.

"We are very, very confident that our hiring practices are appropriate," Herlihy said.

David Chambers, the vice president and general counsel for Sorrento Lactalis, said any allegations of a conspiracy to hire illegal immigrants are bunk.

"I can categorically deny that anything remotely like that is happening at my company," Chambers said. "Beyond that I can't comment until I actually see the complaint."

The Idaho Migrant Council, meanwhile, is accused of harboring illegal immigrants by joining with the Caldwell Housing Authority to rent undocumented workers housing units in Farmway Village, a Caldwell housing complex.

That's simply not true, said Albert Pacheco, the council's executive director.

"We have no association with Farmway Village. We don't manage it. In fact, I think it's a city entity," Pacheco said. "The only thing that we have at Farmway is that we run a Head Start (school readiness) program there, and we rent space to do that."

In general, Pacheco said, the lawsuit is more likely to hurt the county than help it.

"There's always that push to try to attract businesses into a city or a county and I don't think this helps that effort in any way. Employers have to follow federal guidelines on employment, and each does their best to ensure that employees are here legally to work," he said. "A lot of times, it's really difficult to tell."

The lawsuit was spearheaded by Canyon County Commissioner Robert Vasquez, who is campaigning for U.S. Congress. A grandson of Mexican immigrants, Vasquez has made headlines taking on illegal immigration from south of the border.

Canyon County is largely agricultural and many of its Latino residents work in that industry. About 19 percent of the county's 131,000 residents identify themselves as Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Syngenta Seeds, division of Switzerland's Syngenta AG, is based in Golden Valley, Minn.; Sorrento Lactalis, a division of France's Groupe Lactalis, is based in Buffalo, N.Y.; Swift Beef Co., a division of Greeley-based Swift & Co.; and Harris Moran is based in Modesto, Calif.

In 2000, Foster was the first lawyer to bring to trial an immigration case using RICO. In that case, a Connecticut cleaning company was accused of hiring lower-paid illegal aliens to undercut the prices of competitors, represented by Foster. The case was resolved with a settlement paid by the defendant.

Foster also has three pending RICO lawsuits against Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods in Tennessee; against Calhoun, Ga.-based Mohawk Carpets in Georgia; and Yakima, Wash.-based Zirkle Fruit Co. in Washington.

[gbh2] 26/7/2005 15:57

Thanks, only found a few of these last weekend and they didn't show up on advfn's listing as being active. Cheers!

[waldron] 26/7/2005 15:42

take a look at this gb.

[gbh2] 26/7/2005 15:31

Hi could you tell me if this is still being traded on the London stock exchange, I haven't seen any trades for quite some time?

[waldron] 26/7/2005 15:15

EARNINGS PREVIEW: Syngenta 1H Net Profit Seen +17%

Tuesday, July 26, 2005 7:53:16 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1140 GMT [Dow Jones] Syngenta (SYT) is seen Thursday reporting 1H net profit of $942M, +17% from $808M a year ago on organic and acquisition related growth, according to average of forecasts from a poll of nine analysts. The net profit figure excludes restructuring charges, minorities and a $144M one-off tax gain. Sales are seen +15% at $5.28B, up from a restated $4.58B, lifted by acquisitions and boosted by strong agribusiness markets in North America, Eastern Europe, Asia. Syngenta adjusted its 1H 2004 figures to reflect the change to IFRS. EBITDA is expected to rise 13% to $1.51B from $1.34B. Analysts eye update on FY guidance, Asian rust and outlook for Brazil planting season for 2H '05. Trades +0.1% at CHF128.60. (SWZ)

[waldron] 24/7/2005 18:17

Half Year Results due 28th July 2005