Sygen International Trading Statement.

Business Editors

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2003

Sygen International plc (LSE: SNI.L), a world leader in applying quantitative genetics and biotechnology to animal breeding, will announce its results for the six months ended December 2002 on 12 February 2003. Sygen makes

As anticipated, first half results of Sygen's core business, PIC, have been adversely affected by the downturn in the pig cycle, which began during the second half of the last financial year. Profitability in the Americas region has been impacted by difficult market conditions where market prices adversely affected profitability for PIC's customers, which in turn influenced the region's direct business. Despite depressed pig prices, PIC Europe continued its recovery and has again reduced its losses significantly, and PIC Asia has also made good progress.

As indicated at the time of the release of the FY2002 results in September 2002, the results of the first half of FY2003 will also reflect the investment in our global Information Systems project, as well as in the commercialisation and start-up of the new shrimp genetics business, SyAqua. Adverse foreign exchange rates will have a modest impact on profits in the first half.

The robustness of PIC's indirect sales model has without doubt mitigated the impact of the harsh market conditions that have prevailed in the last 6-12 months. However, as a result of the factors mentioned above, Sygen's profit before tax will be below market expectations for the first half of FY2003.

Sygen's profit after tax for the first half is expected to be in line with the profit after tax achieved in the comparable period of FY2002. This is attributed to Sygen's first half tax provision, which is expected to be substantially reduced due to a one-off re-deployment of investment capital in SyAqua's acquisition in Mexico, as well as an increase in tax credits related to Sygen's investment in Research & Development.

The fundamental strengths of PIC's business remain evident and current trading and leading indicators for the pig industry point to an improved trading performance and stronger market conditions during the second half as compared with the first half.

Sygen's second half results will also benefit from a profit contribution from SyAqua. The company's acquisition of Mexico's largest shrimp breeding stock business in October 2002 has accelerated the growth and development of Sygen's aquaculture business. This business has a strong seasonal bias towards the second half of Sygen's financial year and is performing ahead of initial expectations.

About Sygen:

Sygen International plc is a world leader in applying quantitative genetics and biotechnology to animal breeding. The company's technology, products and services enable producers and farmers to enhance meat quality and improve efficiency in the production of meat animals. Sygen applies a unique combination of quantitative genetics and biotechnology to animal breeding, which is applicable across all livestock species. Sygen's products and services, which allow farmers and producers to create higher quality and healthier non-GMO food products, add value throughout the global meat supply chain of farmers, producers, processors, distributors, retailers and consumers. Headquartered in Berkeley, California, Sygen companies operate in 30 countries on five continents, with laboratories located in Berkeley, California, and Cambridge, UK. For more information, visit www.sygeninternational.com.

SyAqua, a Sygen company, through which the commercial breeding stock business in aquaculture is being conducted, was established 2002. At the same time, Sygen commenced research on applying quantitative genetics and biotechnology to shrimp production. Sygen's subsidiary company, PIC USA, and three other partners, received a research grant of US$8.2 million from the U.S. Government in November 2001 to fund this research. The global market of farmed shrimp production is estimated at US$6-$7 billion. The objective of the programme, entitled "Biosecure Zero-Exchange Shrimp Technology (BioZEST): A Paradigm Shift for the U.S. Industry", is to develop an economically viable, environmentally responsible and sustainable production system for shrimp. The partners bring together expertise in the areas of genetics, healthy production systems and nutrition.

PIC, a Sygen company, is the international leader in providing genetically superior pig breeding stock and technical support for maximising genetic potential to commercial pork producers. Operating for over 40 years, PIC's success is attributed to its thorough concentration on, and significant investment in, all aspects of genetics, technology and health.

Investor Relations:                  Chief Financial Officer:
Dorothy Lee                          John Adams
Sygen International plc              Sygen International plc
UK: 44 (0)1865 822 285               USA: 1 510 981 2107
dorothy.lee@sygeninternational.com   john.adams@sygeninternational.com

Enquiries:
WMC Communications (London)
Alex Glover, Scott Learmouth
UK: 44 (0)20 7591 3999
alex.glover@wmccommunications.com

Forward Looking Statement:

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including reference to customised product development and particular traits and Sygen/SyAqua/PIC's "expectations", or "beliefs" and all other such references. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent Sygen/SyAqua/PIC's judgements and expectations as of the date of this release. Sygen/SyAqua/PIC expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions of these forward-looking statements. Nothing in this release is intended, nor may it be construed to constitute claims or warranties relating to possible results or outcomes from the information discussed in the forward-looking statement.