Press Statement

Statement of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division on the European Commission’s Announcement Regarding Bayer’s Proposed Acquisition of Monsanto

March 21, 2018

“Today, the European Commission announced that it has granted conditional approval of Bayer AG’s proposed acquisition of Monsanto Corporation.  The Commission’s conditional approval is subject to certain divestiture commitments based on the effects of the transaction in Europe, which may differ from its effects in the United States.  For example, while genetically modified seeds are largely prohibited in Europe, they are widely used throughout the United States.  The Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice continues to examine the effects of the proposed transaction on American farmers and consumers.  The Antitrust Division is working closely with the European Commission and other jurisdictions in connection with the department’s ongoing review.”