Vilmorin & Cie - Annual report 2017-2018

1. Strong, permanent investment in research As the key to performance, the role of research is to ensure growth for the future. It aims to develop new varieties of more efficient seeds: yield, disease resistance, better adaptation to different climates and regions, etc. (1) Data calculated on the basis of the sales of seeds intended for professional markets and integrating 50% of the activities of AgReliant (North America. Field Seeds). Data for 2017-2018. STRATEGIC FOUNDATIONS A STRATEGY OF WINNING MARKET SHARES 100 research centers in the world More than of sales invested in research (1) 16.2 % of headcount dedicated to research 29 % million euros invested in research including funding in the form of partnerships Almost 310 3. Capacity to combine targeted acquisitions and partnerships Vilmorin & Cie has adopted a policy of targeted acquisitions and continues to establish numerous cooperation agreements throughout the world, whether scientific, industrial or commercial. gain access to new genetic resources * penetrate and cover zones with high potential provide a better risk spread These operations enable the group to meet major challenges: 2. Strong internationalization of the activities of sales for 2017-2018 made outside Europe 40 % countries nationalities represented among employees 74 of employees based outside Europe 46 % countries Sales in almost 150 48 Subsidiaries in Vilmorin & Cie’s aim is to contribute to meeting the world’s food challenges by creating high value-added seeds. For this purpose, the Company relies on an ambitious strategy, blending strong, permanent investment in research, strong international growth, and the capacity to combine targeted acquisitions and partnerships, in order to accelerate its expansion and sustainably strengthen its leading world positions on promising world markets.