Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Syngenta’s acquisition of Monsanto’s sunflower seed business

The European Commission on 21 June 2010 opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of the global sunflower seed business of US company Monsanto by Syngenta of Switzerland. The Commission's initial market investigation indicated potential competition concerns with respect to the breeding and commercialisation of sunflower seeds and sunflower seed treatment products in Europe. The Commission now has 90 working days to take a final decision. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation.