Pfizer Animal Health to acquire Catapult Genetics and Bovigen

19 March 2008

Pfizer Animal Health will acquire two market-leading livestock genomics companies, Catapult Genetics, Pty., Ltd and  Bovigen, LLC, for an undisclosed sum.

The two companies will continue to market products and services to their own customers as well as Pfizer Animal Health customers.

The two acquisitions are expected to close by the end of this month.

Catapult Genetics, Pty, Ltd., is focused on developing and commercialising innovative livestock DNA tests and gene markers to assist global food producers, processors and retailers in improving profitability and quality in the global food chain.

Catapult Genetics, Pty., Ltd., was formed in December 2006 with the merger of Catapult Systems, based in New Zealand, and Genetic Solutions, based in Australia. Catapult is a global innovator and leader in sheep and cattle DNA testing technologies for meat and carcass quality and production efficiency under the GeneSTAR quality grade, feed efficiency, the SureTRAK system, and the SireTRACETM product brands.

In addition to co-founders Gerard Davis and Jay Hetzel, its shareholders include AgResearch, CSIRO, Kestrel Capital's Nanyang Innovation Fund, and Meat & Wool New Zealand.