Boulder, Colorado
February 10, 2001

Emergent Genetics, Inc. is pleased to announce that V.R. Kaundinya "Kaundy" has joined the
Company as Vice President, Asia, based in Hyderabad, India. 

Kaundy is the former Managing Director of Cyanamid Agro Ltd, Mumbai, working with that company from 1993 until his acceptance of this position. His considerable 20 year senior management experience in the field of agrochemical and crop protection will be used to expand Emergent's Asian portfolio, including directing the future growth of Mahendra Hybrid Seed Company. 

Kaundy holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, Specializing in Agriculture, from the
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture), from Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University. He served as Chairman of the Indian Crop Protection
Association, an association of research based crop protection companies, for two terms from 1998 -2000. 

Emergent Genetics, Inc. is a firm whose principals have been actively involved in the seed and
biotech industries for over 20 years. It has combined its years of experience in the agricultural
industry with the financial strength and development capabilities of Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst. Together, they focus on direct equity investments in established seed and biotech companies, and then grow them with additional capital investment. They also provide access to new seed traits through biotechnology and the financial, integration and operation expertise needed for expansion and growth. 

Since its formation in 1989, Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Incorporated has completed or currently has pending more than 300 transactions with a total capital value of approximately $40 billion.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the firm also has offices in New York, London and Buenos Aires. 

Mahendra Hybrid Seeds Co, Ltd, which has been in the seed business since 1971, is one of the largest hybrid seed companies in India, with particular strength in cotton, sorghum, and pearl millet. The company produces a diverse selection of hybrid and improved variety seeds, from both proprietary and public-bred lines. Mahendra's main objective is to develop products that increase the efficiency and profitability of farmers in India. 

Company news release
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