# Bayer Eyeing Monsanto for Possible Merger?

Author: Jim Steadman
Published: 2016-05-17
Canonical URL: https://www.cottongrower.com/cotton-news/bayer-eyeing-monsanto-for-possible-merger/

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Bayer AG is exploring a potential bid for U.S. competitor Monsanto Co. in a deal that would create the world’s largest supplier of seeds and farm chemicals, according to people familiar with the matter, [**reports Ruth David, Aaron Kirchfeld and Dinesh Nair with Bloomberg.com.**](http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-12/bayer-said-to-explore-bid-for-40-billion-seed-company-monsanto)

The German firm has held preliminary discussions internally and with advisers about buying Monsanto, which has a market value of about $43 billion, said the people, who asked not to be named because the deliberations are private.

Bayer, which is valued at about 79 billion euros ($90 billion), has discussed how to finance a deal including potential asset sales, the people said. No final decision has been made and the Leverkusen-based company could decide against a bid or pursue other transactions with Monsanto, including joint ventures or asset sales, the people said.

Representatives for Bayer and Monsanto declined to comment.

*Written by Matthew Grassi, CropLife Magazine*