Accelerated Genetics in Westby may expand its operation following a potential merger.

Angie Lindloff, vice president of marketing and communications, said staff downsizing isnt likely to occur even if Accelerated Genetics is sold to the larger, Ohio-based Select Sires. It was recently announced the two companies, which specialize in artificial insemination of cattle, may combine forces.

Lindloff said that while there are no guarantees of job security, Westby employees could see more bulls in housing than before. She said Select Sires aims to increase local production for international markets.

My understanding is (Select Sires) wants to keep the Westby facility intact and the people intact, Lindloff said. The goal is, they want that facility to maximize production out of it. Its actually a good thing from a Westby standpoint.

Roughly 70 people work for Accelerated Genetics in Westby, Lindloff said. The municipality is home to multiple Accelerated Genetics production barns, an office and a distribution center.

Select Sires, theyre very interested in the assets at Westby and the people there, Lindloff said. They know what we do there and they understand we have a lot of valuable people.

The Accelerated Genetics production facility houses more than 200 bulls, staff veterinarian Katie Speller said. Speller said the bulls supply genes for Accelerated Genetics national and international markets, including in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Following a potential merger with Select Sires, Lindloff said the company could move to increase Westbys international production capabilities and bring in more cattle.

She said that barns producing semen for the European Union require special permitting, and Select Sires would aim to uptick the number of EU-certified barns in Westby.

Select Sires and Accelerated Genetics have an established business relationship. In 2001, the two companies began collaborative marketing efforts in foreign markets.

Select Sires is now poised to take over Accelerated Genetics, which has struggled financially.

We have been looking at something like this, something different than our current model, because we knew it was getting harder to do business, Lindloff said of Accelerated Genetics. So if we combine forces with somebody, it gives us more resources and just more opportunities to grow together.

Accelerated Genetics operates as a cooperative with member farms in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. Under the potential acquisition, Accelerated Genetics member farms in those states would be rolled into one of Select Sires existing cooperatives.

Select Sires operates across the U.S.

Delegates from Accelerated Genetics are scheduled to cast final votes on the merger later this month. Select Sires did not return a phone call seeking comment by press time.

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Accelerated Genetics may expand operations under new ownership - La Crosse Tribune