Germany/US: Bayer, Monsanto said to move closer to merger deal

Negotiations between Bayer AG and Monsanto Co. are advancing toward a merger deal after the companies made progress on issues including the purchase price and termination fee, people familiar with the matter said.

Bayer chief executive officer Werner Baumann and his US counterpart, Hugh Grant, have had a series of constructive meetings in recent weeks, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private.

The companies, in talks to create the world’s largest producer of seeds and pesticides, could reach an agreement in the next two weeks, said the people, who cautioned that negotiations could still fall apart or be delayed.

Bayer, based in Leverkusen, Germany, has been examining Monsanto’s financial accounts as it weighs a new offer, people familiar with the matter have said.

Monsanto in July rejected Bayer’s improved $55 billion bid, describing the $125-a-share proposal as “financially inadequate.” Bayer made its initial offer in May.

Full Content: Boston Globe

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