Monsanto-Syngenta Deal Could Force Major Ag Reshuffle

A merger of agrochemicals giants Monsanto and Syngenta would force their competitors to reconsider their own strategies and review cross-licensing deals, Liam Condon, CEO of Bayer CropScience, told the news agency Bloomberg.
If Monsanto ups its $45 billion bid and wins the hearts and minds of Syngenta shareholders, "it would definitely force a review of how everybody is going to react," Condon said.
“There's only six research and development based players in this industry so if the two biggest were to go together, inevitably it would force others to review their strategies,” he added.
Both Bayer and German rival BASF have been named as candidates to buy Syngenta's seed business, which Monsanto has acknowledged it would sell to allay antitrust concerns.
Bloomberg cites people familiar with the matter as saying Monsanto pitched this idea to Bayer last year.
With sales of $10.4 billion, Bayer is the second largest producer of chemical crop protectants – a market Monsanto is keen to enter to balance a portfolio currently top-heavy with seed products.
The Leverkusen group has a clear view on how to respond in the event Monsanto proceeds with its takeover plan, Condon told the news agency. The CropScience chief noted also that, along with divesting overlapping herbicide assets, combining Monsanto and Syngenta also would mean unraveling an intricate web of agreements in R&D licensing and production.

Special Issue

Circular Plastics Economy
Explore the Future of Plastics

Circular Plastics Economy

This special CHEManager issue explores the industry’s pivotal shift towards a more sustainable, circular plastics value chain. Readers will find expert analysis and real-world solutions for today’s most pressing recycling and regulatory challenges.

Free Expert Insights

Dual‑Targeting Breakthroughs
Advancements in Bispecific Antibody Development

Dual‑Targeting Breakthroughs

Unlock the latest breakthroughs in bispecific antibody development! Download Wiley’s free Expert Insights eBook to explore cutting-edge dual-targeting strategies, advanced purification methods, and bioanalytical technologies transforming immunotherapy and cancer treatment.

most read

Photo
28.07.2025 • NewsChemistry

VCI Welcomes US-EU Customs Deal

The German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) welcomes the fact that Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and US President Donald Trump have averted the danger of a trade war for the time being.