Pre Close Statement

Genus PLC
24 March 2004


                                                                 24 March 2004

                                   Genus PLC
                            Acquisition in Chile and
                           'Pre-Close' Trading Update

Strategic Acquisition of Chilean Agent

Genus plc, the World leading Bovine Genetics Company, announces that it has
completed the acquisition of Agrotec ABS Limitada, its long-standing exclusive
agent and distributor in Chile, for US$1.2m, including local debt of $0.2m. The
cash consideration will be satisfied from existing banking facilities.

Richard Wood, Chief Executive, commenting on the acquisition said:-

'The acquisition is part of our continuing strategy of developing further our
presence in growing markets. The Chilean market is set to grow strongly in the
next few years because of the recent Free Trade Agreement with the USA. The
acquisition will enable Genus to manage product strategy directly and to sell in
the local market; previously we could only export to Chile.'

Trading Update

Group Pre-Tax Profit during the year ending 31 March 2004 will be strongly ahead
of last year. However, Group underlying operating profit will be below market
expectations, but not significantly.

Animal Health and Development Consulting have continued to improve as
anticipated. The recovery in Bovine Genetics expected following a slow start to
the year was unfortunately temporarily delayed. This was because of market
uncertainty associated with the single case of BSE reported in the USA.

No further cases of BSE have been reported in the USA and the market is now
recovering with prices already firming.

Contact:

Richard Wood, Chief Executive, Genus plc                       01256 347101
Philip Acton, Acting Finance Director                          01256 347102

Charles Ryland/Catherine Miles, Buchanan Communications        020 7466 5000




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