Rural America Fund I, LP, a private equity fund based in Chicago, acquired Seeds 2000, a leading producer and distributor of sunflower, corn, and soybean seeds for the U.S., Canadian and Central and South American markets.  Gould & Ratner represented Rural America Fund in forming the fund which seeks investments in agricultural product and technology companies. We also represented the fund in this transaction and its previous transaction, a purchase of a leading grass and forage seed distributor based in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.  "This recent acquisition continues to demonstrate the interest investors have in companies below the radar screen that are leading the charge in developing advanced agricultural products and technologies," noted Rural American Fund lead transaction counsel, Fred Tannenbaum.  The G&R legal team included Fred Tannenbaum, David Arnburg, Steve Gustafson, Michelle Selig, Joe Marzo, Susan Mosteller and Julie Gracz.