Bayer gets European Commission nod for Monsanto deal

New Delhi: German chemical and pharma major Bayer today said it has received “conditional” approval from the European Commission for its proposed USD 66 billion acquisition of US-based biotech major Monsanto.

India is among the countries that are yet to give the nod.

Bayer and Monsanto are working closely with the authorities in the US with the goal of closing the transaction in the second quarter of 2018, the company said.

“Receipt of the European Commission’s approval is a major success and a significant milestone, Bayer CEO Werner Baumann said in a statement.

Together with Monsanto, we want to help farmers across the world grow more nutritious food in a more sustainable way that benefits both consumers and the environment,” he said.

According to Bayer, the conditions cover in particular the divestment of certain Bayer businesses, including the global field crop seeds business such as canola, cotton, and soybean (with minor exceptions restricted to the Asia region), the R&D platform for hybrid wheat, the global vegetable seeds business, the global glufosinate ammonium business as well as certain glyphosate-based herbicides in Europe, predominantly for industrial use.

In addition, Monsanto’s global business with the nematicide NemaStrike must be divested.

The conditions also stipulate the transfer of three Bayer research projects in the area of non-selective herbicides and the granting of a license to Bayer’s digital farming portfolio. BASF is the intended purchaser of these assets.

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals, the company added.

In India, both entities have presence in production and sale of vegetable seeds, cotton seeds as well as in production and sale of non-selective herbicides, according to that notice.

Bayer group is present in India since 1896 and has two divisions — crop science and pharmaceuticals. The group has one listed entity in India — Bayer CropScience Ltd that posted a revenue from operation of nearly Rs 3,000 crore last fiscal.

  • Related Posts

    • Pharma
    • July 16, 2025
    • 316 views
    Aurobindo, Cipla, Viatris to make, market long-acting injectable HIV drug

    Generic drugmakers Aurobindo Pharma, Cipla and Viatris will develop, manufacture and supply long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB LA) for HIV treatment in 133 countries. This follows ViiV Healthcare, a company focused…

    • Pharma
    • July 16, 2025
    • 104 views
    Pharma stocks hover near flatline even as Trump hints at new tariffs by July-end

    The pharma sector will be in focus on July 16, after Donald Trump said that pharmaceuticals tariffs would be implemented soon. Shares of pharmaceutical companies traded flat on Wednesday, July…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Bihar Healthcare is poised to be embraced by Robotic Surgery Mantra

    Bihar Healthcare is poised to be embraced by Robotic Surgery Mantra

    Aurobindo, Cipla, Viatris to make, market long-acting injectable HIV drug

    Aurobindo, Cipla, Viatris to make, market long-acting injectable HIV drug

    Pharma stocks hover near flatline even as Trump hints at new tariffs by July-end

    Pharma stocks hover near flatline even as Trump hints at new tariffs by July-end

    Govt revises prices of 71 medicines, including those for diabetes and infections: Check new rates

    Govt revises prices of 71 medicines, including those for diabetes and infections: Check new rates