The European Commission has opened an investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Monsanto by Bayer under the EU Merger Regulation.
The Commission has concerns that the merger may reduce competition in areas such as pesticides, seeds and traits.
The proposed acquisition of Monsanto (US) by Bayer (Germany) would create the world's largest integrated pesticides and seeds company.
It would combine two competitors with leading portfolios in non-selective herbicides, seeds and traits, and digital agriculture.
Both companies are active in developing new products in these areas. Moreover, the transaction would take place in industries that are already globally concentrated, as illustrated by the recent mergers of Dow and Dupont and Syngenta and ChemChina, in which the Commission intervened to "protect competition for the benefit of farmers and consumers".
Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “Seeds and pesticide products are essential for farmers and ultimately consumers.
“We need to ensure effective competition so that farmers can have access to innovative products, better quality and also purchase products at competitive prices. And at the same time maintain an environment where companies can innovate and invest in improved products.”
The Commission has preliminary concerns that the proposed acquisition could reduce competition in a number of different markets resulting in higher prices, lower quality, less choice and less innovation.
