Kemin Industries, Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of specialty feed and food technology, and InterLink Associates, a biotechnology research and technology transfer company, announced today that they have formed a joint biotechnology company, Interlink Biotechnologies, as a next step from their existing strategic alliance.

InterLink Associates, based in Princeton, N.J., with research facilities in Auburn, Calif., will
transfer all of its assets, facilities and personnel to the new company. Kemin Industries will make a substantial cash contribution to InterLink Biotechnologies for an undisclosed number of shares in the new company.

Via its wholly-owned subsidiary known as Kemin Biotechnology, L.C., Kemin will continue to
fund joint research at InterLink Biotechnologies for the development of new and unique enzyme
products for the animal feed and human food industries. Kemin also provides international product
marketing capabilities through its offices in over 70 countries worldwide and manufacturing
capabilities in Iowa, Texas, Belgium, Singapore, Thailand and India.

According to Dr. John Greaves, president of Kemin Industries, Inc., "We're extremely pleased
with the progress that has been made in our existing alliance with InterLink, and the formation of a new joint biotechnology business was an obvious next step for both companies.''

Dr. Ramon Garcia, president of InterLink Biotechnologies, added, "We are very excited about the
creation of InterLink Biotechnologies and to have Kemin Industries as a key partner to continue to
aggressively expand our capabilities in natural products and gene discovery for biotechnology
applications.''

InterLink Biotechnologies' mission is to be a unique provider of natural product leads and genes
into the international pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and chemical industries. Product targets
include new drugs, genes for genetically enhanced crops, enzymes and other natural products to
enhance the nutritional and nutraceutical value of human food and animal feed, and industrial
enzymes.

InterLink Biotechnologies, L.L.C., will continue to operate in Princeton, N.J., and Auburn, Calif.
Kemin Industries' world headquarters are in Des Moines, Iowa. Kemin's products include mold
inhibitors, antioxidants, organic minerals, carotenoids, enzymes, acidifiers, gluconeogenic agents
and flavors.

Company news release
N1997