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It's a win-win situation for BRDG Park and one of its original tenants, Divergence, Inc., a highly-promising plant science research and development company. In addition to being acquired by Monsanto, Divergence will continue to be based in its existing space at BRDG Park.
Divergence's focus is working with parasitic nematodes, including developing biotechnology traits for nematode control and nematicides with novel modes of action and superior safety profiles. Its technologies will help control and diminish the extensive damage caused by one of the most challenging pests farmers face to crops like corn, soy, cotton and vegetables. Established in 1998, Divergence moved to BRDG Park when it opened in summer 2009, approximately one year after the company graduated from the former Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise, a business incubator.
According to Sam Fiorello, President of BRDG Park, the acquisition not only validates Divergence's pioneering research, it demonstrates how being located at BRDG Park can help emerging companies bridge research, resources and relationships to achieve commercial success.
"Becoming part of the Monsanto team will give Divergence access to additional resources that will accelerate their work to bring critical solutions to farmers who will benefit from their terrific science," said Fiorello. "And this move will add further momentum and vitality to the growing plant science sector in the St. Louis region, making BRDG Park an increasingly important hub of plant and life sciences commercial development."
In a press release issued by Monsanto, Divergence CEO Derek Rapp said, "We're thrilled to see our research and product platforms, including our nematode resistant plant and nematicide work move to Monsanto, a company that has the experience and resources to deliver outstanding products to farmers. We're confident that the hard work of the Divergence team will continue and will lead to new technologies with potential yield benefits for growers."
Rapp expects commercialization of the nematicides in the middle part of the decade, pending regulatory hurdles. In an article in the St. Louis Business Journal, he explained that with Monsanto's help the products will be able to reach the field, including developing countries, where they will make a real difference.
Divergence and Monsanto have collaborated since August 2004. Under the relationship, the two companies worked to develop nematode-resistant soybeans. In 2008, the companies made public their sequence of the soybean cyst nematode genome, and extended their relationship.
"Over the years, we've had a productive and successful relationship with our partners at Divergence," said Robb Fraley, Ph.D., Monsanto's chief technology officer. "We look forward to continuing this tradition and welcome Divergence's highly experienced and talented employees to the Monsanto team."
Before joining Divergence in 2001, Rapp worked for 12 years at Monsanto. As the head of acquisitions at Monsanto, he helped the Creve Coeur-based agricultural company acquire other companies. With Divergence's acquisition, Rapp is returning to Monsanto.
"Divergence has received tremendous support from the business and academic communities in the St. Louis region and throughout the state of Missouri. Our success reflects the many resources of this region and its determination to flourish in the life sciences," said Rapp. "I'm thrilled that something is happening that makes so much sense. It makes sense to both companies' teams and for the region."
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