Monsanto, Scotts Miracle-Gro extend Roundup marketing deal

Monsanto Co. and Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. have extended their partnership in the consumer lawn and garden market, Monsanto said on Wedneday.

Since 1999, a Scotts subsidiary has served as Monsanto’s exclusive agent for the marketing and distribution of Roundup non-selective herbicides in the consumer lawn and garden market in the U.S. and in select international countries. Under the new agreement, Scotts is licensed to use the Roundup brand in new lawn- and garden-product categories and expand its geographic marketing rights. Monsanto also renewed and expanded the terms of its marketing agreement with Scotts and provided preferred access to Monsanto’s research-and-development pipeline.

The agreement provides for Scotts to pay Monsanto an upfront, lump sum of $300 million in exchange for a Roundup  brand license and the extended agency and technology agreements.
 
"This agreement highlights the value of the Roundup brand and extends the relationship with a long-term, trusted partner," Monsanto Executive Vice President of Global Strategy Kerry Preete said. “It also further demonstrates our commitment to our broad licensing strategy. Monsanto looks forward to the continued partnership with Scotts as we work to deliver a diverse range of lawn-and-garden solutions to consumers.”