News

European Commission digs deeper amid Bayer/Monsanto concerns

The European Commission is seeking more information in the proposed acquisition by Bayer of Monsanto Company. The commission has opened an in-depth investigation saying it is concerned about reduced competition in crop products such as pesticides, seeds and traits.

It has also raised concerns about Bayer/Monsanto dominance in digital agriculture. The European Commission has until January 8th, 2018 to make a decision, saying that an in-depth investigation “does not prejudge” the final result.

Bayer and Monsanto addressed some of the preliminary concerns but the commission says they were not sufficient to dismiss serious doubts about the merger’s compatibility with EU Merger Regulation.