Bayer buying Monsanto, will create chemical, agricultural giant

American seed and weed-killer company Monsanto and German medicine and farm chemical maker Bayer are combining in a deal that could help farmers produce higher yields to address challenges from global warming to rising food demand from a fast-growing global population.

Consumers could benefit from more-affordable and healthier food options and from the companies using their expertise to help farmers limit chemical use and environmental impact, executives said Wednesday after the all-cash deal was announced.

Fitch Ratings said the combined Bayer would have a 25 percent share in some markets, “almost certainly drawing regulatory scrutiny and posing antitrust obstacles.”

Bayer sells chemical and biologic crop protection products and the Bayer Advanced garden chemicals line.

Monsanto is a top maker of seeds genetically modified to resist drought, weeds and insects.

Bayer is a major agricultural supplier in Europe, Asia and Africa, though it’s best known for prescription drugs such as blood clot-preventer Xarelto and over-the-counter products including Aleve pain reliever and One A Day and Flintstones vitamins.