Sygen International plc - AGM STATEMENT.

Business Editors

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 5, 2003

At today's Annual General Meeting, Brian Baldock, Chairman of Sygen International plc (LSE: SNI.L), a world leader in applying quantitative genetics and biotechnology to animal breeding, said total operating profits before

interest, tax and exceptional items for the 2003 financial year of GBP 5.0 million were less than half of those achieved in the prior year; however, they were GBP 9.3 million better than the results achieved in the 1999 financial year, when the last downturn in the pig cycle occurred. This continues to confirm the robust nature of the changed business model. During 2000 and 2001, the business model of PIC, the core business, was re-designed to limit the impact of the pig cycle by increasing the proportion of indirect, or royalty-based sales, and by outsourcing production.

He also made the following comments to shareholders: "Three years ago, we announced our determination to increase our resilience through the pig cycle, and build a business with greater predictability of earnings - one which will deliver greater shareholder value. Although it is always disappointing to report a reduction in profits, the results for the year do give us encouragement going forward. Despite the downturn in the pig market, we ended the year with net cash of GBP 23.0 million and no debt.

We have continued to focus on our strategy of technical differentiation and expansion into the business of genetic improvement in food animals other than pigs - a move which will further limit the impact of cycles relating to individual species.

As far as pig market conditions are concerned, I am pleased to report that a gradual recovery is now underway in North America, and Mexico shows encouraging improvement. Putting aside the usual seasonal downturn over the winter, forecasts indicate that market conditions will improve this year.

We will continue to extend our technological differentiation and to increase sales from biotechnology and SyAqua. We also expect to make further progress in implementing our multi-species strategy.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the management and staff that have made the Group's progress possible. They have all worked extremely hard to ensure that our key strategic objectives are moved forward successfully."

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 http://www.sygeninternational.com/.

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. For more information, visit http://www.pic.com.

SyAqua was established in 2002 as Sygen's aquaculture division. In April 2002, Sygen commenced research on applying quantitative genetics and biotechnology to shrimp production. Sygen's subsidiary company, PIC USA, and three other partners, received a grant of US$8.2 million from the U.S. Government ATP programme in November 2001 to fund this research. The global market of farmed shrimp production is estimated at US$7 billion. SyAqua operates Genetic Nucleus Facilities in Hawaii and Mexico and conducts research at its laboratory in California. SyAqua also operates businesses in Mexico, Thailand and Brazil. For more information, visit http://www.syaqua.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/PIC/SyAqua'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/PIC/SyAqua's judgements and expectations as of the date of this release. Sygen/PIC/SyAqua 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.