Business news agency Bloomberg reported on Friday Morning (1st May) that agribusiness giant Monsanto has approached Swiss company Syngenta looking to acquire the firm.

Monsanto, the world’s largest seed company and leading producer of genetically modified (GM) crops, has reportedly made its second attempt to buy Syngenta in less than a year, according to Bloomberg’s sources. However, sources said that the Swiss chemical manufacturer, which has plants in Huddersfield and Grangemouth, Scotland, has concerns that a merger of the two large agribusinesses would raise antitrust issues.

Together, the two companies would create the world’s largest agribusiness. Missouri-based Monsanto reportedly held buyout talks with Syngenta in 2014, though no agreement was reached on that occasion.

The Swiss giant, which is the world’s leading producer of agrochemicals, and also has a seed business, is worth an estimated £20bn (CHF29bn)

On Friday, Monsanto UK spokesperson Mark Buckingham told Farming Online that the company does not comment on rumours or speculation.  

Syngenta have been contacted for comment, though Friday is a bank holiday at the company’s Swiss headquarters.