Makhteshim Agans Chairman Avraham Bigger to leave the company at the end of 2010

Date:11-24-2010

The Makhteshim Agan Group (TASE:  MAIN), the world leader in branded off-patent crop protection solutions, announced that Mr. Avraham Bigger Chairman of  Makhteshim Agan informed the Board of directors yesterday (November 22, 2010) that he will be leaving the Company on December 31, 2010.

Avraham Bigger served as Chairman of Makhteshim Agan for the last four years, during three out of the four he also served as CEO of the Company.
Mr. Avraham Bigger, commented, “it has been my honor to manage Makhteshim Agan for the last four years, a challenging and interesting period for the Company. I am pleased that we were able to sustain Makhteshim Agans leadership position as a dynamic global player with annual sales of billions of dollars and sales operations in five continents. Makhteshim Agan posses quality individuals driven by motivation to innovate and an entrepreneurial spirit.

"The Company has great potential and a slate of growth opportunities, I am confident that Makhetshim Agan will be able to continue and hold a global leadership position." Mr. Bigger added.

Mr. Nochi Dankner, Chairman of the IDB Group, added, “I would like to thank Mr. Avraham Bigger for his tenure at Makhteshim Agan. Mr. Bigger managed the Company during a period of significant global change and was able to cement Makhteshim Agans leadership position in the agrochemicals sector through expanding its global footprint while completing important operational initiatives.

Over the last 7 years, Avraham Bigger served in a variety of managerial positions within the IDB Group, including his position as active Chairman of Supersol and later as CEO and Chairman of Makhteshim Agan. Throughout the years, Avraham proved his great judgment, leadership qualities and common sense. Mr. Bigger will continue to be part of the group in his position as board member of Cellcom and we expect to further collaborate in the future."