Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, announced today it has finalized the purchase of Posilac (sometribove), a supplement for dairy cows, from Monsanto. The acquisition includes complete worldwide rights, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Augusta, Ga., and product-support operations. This move underscores Elanco's commitment to helping farmers produce an abundant supply of safe, nutritious, affordable food.
"Our entire Elanco dairy team is thrilled to be the steward of this vital technology, and already is hard at work to make this business transition seamless for the dairy producers who use Posilac," said Roy Riggs, director of Elanco's dairy business unit. "Importantly, with this acquisition, Elanco is strongly committed to collaborating with and providing choice to the total dairy food chain."
Producers can continue to work directly with their Posilac representatives for product support and inquiries. The same convenient toll-free number -- (800) 233-2999 -- will remain available for placing orders and asking additional questions. Producers using other Elanco products in their herd-health programs may continue to buy those items from their current animal-health suppliers.
The integration of Posilac into Elanco's dairy business also will bring together a team of professionals who specialize in improving production efficiencies.
"We're combining Elanco's experience in productivity-enhancing products -- including sometribove in other countries -- with the expertise of the U.S. Posilac team," said Riggs. "Elanco now will have more employees to help farmers integrate these technologies successfully into their dairy operations."
While planning the full integration of Posilac into Elanco's dairy business, company leaders also have been talking with producers, dairy cooperatives and others throughout the dairy food chain.
"From past experience working with dairy industry stakeholders, we have learned about the importance of providing consumers worldwide with affordable food choices, and the need to produce more food using fewer natural resources," said Riggs. "In the months and years to come, we will continue this dialog to further explore ways Elanco's products can benefit the entire dairy food chain."
Today's announcement follows Elanco's Aug. 20 statement of intent to acquire the Posilac business. This is an important part of the company's commitment to address the growing need for safe, affordable food, as well as to provide choices for consumers, retailers and producers.