, Columnists
Monsanto Isn't Worth Bayer's Headache
A joint venture or research partnership would be just as valuable, and not as expensive.
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A Monsanto takeover would be a big stretch for Bayer. Fortunately, this isn't a deal the German company has to do.
Bloomberg News reported Thursday that the $90 billion inventor of aspirin is weighing an offer for all of Monsanto, after previously holding discussions with the U.S. seed giant about possible asset sales and partnerships. The discussions are preliminary, but the mere fact that Bayer is even considering a deal of this magnitude reflects a new reality for the crop-protection industry, where bigger is better.