Exchange Rates and Syngenta

China National Chemical Corp.: Sales fell 4% to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, though they rose 6% at constant exchange rates. "Growth was achieved despite subdued grower sentiment, notably in France, as a result of low crop prices," Syngenta said in a press release, according to Market Watch. Sales were down 2% at constant exchange rates to North America. Excluding the effects of currency changes, sales were unchanged during the first three months of the year compared with the same period last year. In February, Syngenta agreed to be acquired by government-owned China National Chemical Corp., commonly known as Chem China, for $43 billion cash. Write to Brian Blackstone at brian.blackstone@wsj.com More from Market Watch (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.