Genus PIC, the porcine division of animal genetics company Genus plc, will acquire the rights to the genetic pool and intellectual property of Kilkenny-based pig-breeding company Hermitage Genetics in a new partnership arrangement announced this week.

Hermitage will then become a provider of the combined Genus and Hermitage genetic pools in agreed markets as part of the partnership.

PIC will also acquire certain Hermitage customer relationships in various countries including Russia, the US and several European countries.

The agreement is subject to a number of closing conditions which are expected to be finalised by the end of March 2017.

Hermitage will continue to own and operate its farms and AI studs in Ireland, the UK and Italy and will participate in genetics, genomic and research programmes operated by Genus.

“Our partnership with PIC will allow the continued use of the Hermitage gene pool to provide enhanced genetics to our global customer base,” commented Hermitage Genetics owner Ned Nolan.

Genus chief executive Karim Bitar said that combining the two gene pools would accelerate genetic improvement and allow an improved service to pig producers.