Genus PLC, a British animal genetics company, said Thursday Thursday May 16 that it is starting a strategic partnership with Beijing Capital Agribusiness Co Ltd., a Chinese pig and poultry company.

As part of the partnership, both companies will research, develop, register and sell pigs resistant to the pig reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in China. This virus is dangerous because it can cause reproductive dysfunction in pedigree cattle and respiratory tract disease in young pigs.

The partnership will begin with the fact that Genus will grant Beijing a technological license for intellectual property rights and knowledge transfer to start developing resistance to the swine virus, and will also receive regulatory approval in China.

Once regulatory approval is obtained and stable pigs are released, Genus and Beijing Capital will create a joint venture, 51% of which will be owned by Beijing Capital, and 49% by Genus.

The joint venture will consist of Beijing Shou Nong Future Bio-Tech Co Ltd, a newly established subsidiary of Beijing Capital, and PIC China, a subsidiary of Genus, which manages the group's existing operations in China.

As part of a collaboration that is expected to last several years, Genus will receive a basic cash payment of $ 20 million, subject to certain requirements being met.