BASF acquires Bayer, completing a major transformation in the agricultural sector.

Release Date:

2018-08-05

　　BASF has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of Bayer’s businesses and assets. This transaction strategically complements BASF’s existing crop protection, biotechnology, and digital agriculture operations, marking BASF’s entry into… seed , non-selective herbicide, nematicide seed Processing domain.
　　Dr. Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer of BASF Europe, stated: “This strategic move adds another valuable asset to BASF’s robust portfolio of agricultural solutions, further strengthening our innovation potential. Overall, this acquisition ensures that our customers will have access to a more comprehensive and compelling range of products and services.”
　　Dr. Stefan Marcinowski, a member of the Executive Board of BASF Europe and responsible for the Agricultural Solutions business unit, stated: “This acquisition marks a major transformation for BASF in the agricultural sector, strengthening our market position in agricultural solutions while opening up new opportunities for growth. We look forward to the development of the integrated business and warmly welcome the new employees to BASF.”
　　In October 2017 and April 2018, BASF signed agreements to acquire businesses and assets divested by Bayer as part of its acquisition of Monsanto. The total cash consideration for both transactions amounts to €7.6 billion, subject to adjustments upon closing. Approximately 4,500 employees will thereby join BASF. The agreements cover Bayer’s global glufosinate‑based non‑selective herbicide business, targeting key field crops in certain markets. seed The business encompasses traits, R&D, breeding capabilities, and trademarks, focusing on vegetables. seed Business, hybridization Wheat R&D platform, a series of components seed Product handling, certain industrial‑grade glyphosate herbicide operations in Europe, the comprehensive digital agriculture platform xarvio™, as well as select research projects on non‑selective herbicides and nematicides. Excluding vegetables. seed In addition to the transaction expected to close in mid-August 2018, all other transactions have now been completed.
　　Customers will benefit from this acquisition, gaining access to a broader portfolio of solutions to boost yield per acre, improve crop quality, and enhance profitability. Markus Heldt, President of BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division, explained: “Enhanced R&D capabilities and an expanded business footprint will enable us to offer—from” seed Powerful solutions for every stage of the harvesting process, enhancing our market competitiveness. This also means that, going forward, customers will have even more options. To ensure a smooth transition to the new business and a seamless onboarding of new employees, we’ve spent several months preparing; with a brand‑new team and expanded operations and capabilities, everyone is fully ready to move forward.
　　To better reflect the expanded scope of its integrated operations, BASF has renamed its former “Crop Protection” business unit to the “Agricultural Solutions” business unit. In addition, this business unit has established a new global… seed and the Traits Business Unit.