Bayer confirms $66bn Monsanto takeover

German chemicals giant Bayer confirmed on 14 September 2016 its record-breaking $66bn takeover of genetically modified (GM) seeds business Monsanto - a deal that would create the world's biggest seeds and pesticides company. The offer, a record cash takeover, values Monsanto shares at $128 and could create a company worth $66bn (£50bn).

Some stakeholders warned that this move could find resistance from EU authorities, because of increased corporate concentration and overall resistance in Europe over pesticides and other crop-protection chemicals.

EurActiv, 23.09.16: Chefs join MEPs in opposing Bayer-Monsanto merger http://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/news/chefs-join-meps-in-opposing-bayer-monsanto-merger/

The Wall Street Journal, 20.09.16: Bayer Boss, Bullish on Growth, Defends Monsanto Deal http://www.wsj.com/articles/bayer-sets-out-improved-sales-profitability-forecasts-1474352469

The Local.fr, 21.09.16: Bayer-Monsanto deal 'danger for our food': French chefs https://www.thelocal.fr/20160921/french-chefs-say-bayer-monsanto-deal-danger-for-our-food

The Wall Street Journal, 18.09.16: Bayer’s Monsanto Purchase Could Offset European Regulatory Concerns http://www.wsj.com/articles/bayers-monsanto-purchase-could-offset-european-regulatory-concerns-1474206087

The Guardian, 14.09.16: Bayer's $66bn takeover bid of Monsanto called a 'marriage made in hell' https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/sep/14/bayer-takeover-monsanto-66-billion-deal

The Wall Street Journal, 14.09.16: Bayer-Monsanto Deal Would Forge New Agricultural Force http://www.wsj.com/articles/bayer-and-monsanto-expected-to-announce-takeover-1473839357

The New York Times, 14.09.16: Bayer Deal for Monsanto Follows Agribusiness Trend, Raising Worries for Farmers http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/15/business/dealbook/monsanto-bayer-deal.html

Deutsche Welle, 15.09.16: What the Bayer-Monsanto merger means for food, farmers and the environment http://dw.com/p/1IxnT

---