Leverkusen, May 19, 2016 – Bayer executives recently met with executives of Monsanto to privately discuss a negotiated acquisition of Monsanto Company. 

The proposed combination would reinforce Bayer as a global innovation-driven Life Science company with leadership positions in its core segments, and would create a leading integrated agriculture business. 

This statement follows Monsanto’s announcement earlier today regarding a proposal from Bayer. A further statement will be made as appropriate.