The Cook Illinois Rights Agreement is a legal document that outlines the rights and obligations between Monsanto Company and Subserve Trust Company, N.A. in regard to the Cook Illinois Rights Plan. This agreement serves as a mechanism to protect Monsanto's shareholders from any potential hostile takeover attempts. The Cook Illinois Rights Plan is a shareholder rights plan implemented by Monsanto Company. It aims to discourage any parties from acquiring a significant stake in the company without the approval of its board of directors. The plan does so by issuing "rights" to shareholders, which can be exercised if an entity acquires a specified percentage of Monsanto's common stock without board approval. Under the Cook Illinois Rights Agreement, Subserve Trust Company, N.A. acts as the rights' agent for Monsanto. As the rights' agent, Subserve Trust Company, N.A. is responsible for administering the Cook Illinois Rights Plan and ensuring proper compliance with its provisions. It is important to note that there may be different versions or amendments of the Cook Illinois Rights Agreement between Monsanto Company and Subserve Trust Company, N.A. These variations could arise due to changes in regulations or adjustments made to the terms and conditions of the Cook Illinois Rights Plan over time. In summary, the Cook Illinois Rights Agreement is a legally binding document that governs the relationship between Monsanto Company and Subserve Trust Company, N.A. regarding the implementation and administration of the Cook Illinois Rights Plan. This mechanism safeguards the interests of Monsanto's shareholders by deterring hostile takeovers and requiring board approval for significant stock acquisitions.